Japan, Bangladesh discuss skills development, defence procurement
The foreign minister and the Japanese envoy also discussed metro rail cooperation, language training, and mutual support in international forums.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi have discussed defence procurement and cooperation under the Employment Skill Development Programme (ESDP), with particular focus on skills enhancement.
They also discussed metro rail cooperation, Japanese language training for Bangladeshi workers aspiring to work in Japan, and mutual support in international forums during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka yesterday (24 February), when the ambassador paid a courtesy call on the minister, according to a press release.
The ambassador congratulated Khalilur on becoming the foreign minister and reaffirmed Japan's commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations.
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Khalilur underscored the importance of improved access to information and proposed developing a digital matchmaking platform to facilitate the recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi workers by Japanese employers.
During the meeting, Ambassador Saida Shinichi also conveyed an invitation for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Japan at a mutually convenient time.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam; Adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir; Adviser to the Ministry of Education Mahdi Amin; Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Senior Secretary Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan; and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam were present, among others, at the meeting.
Earlier in the day, the Japanese ambassador paid a courtesy call on State Minister Shama.
Recalling Japan's early recognition of Bangladesh, Shama reaffirmed her commitment to advancing Bangladesh-Japan relations and appreciated Japan's continued support, including on the Rohingya issue.
