Dhaka, Tokyo discuss quick Rohingya return

Taro Kono, the Japanese foreign minister. Photo: Collected
Taro Kono, the Japanese foreign minister. Photo: Collected

Japan has highly praised Bangladesh's efforts and generous support in hosting Rohingyas from Myanmar, and both the countries have agreed on the importance of their safe and dignified return at the earliest possible time.

The issue came up for discussion during a bilateral meeting between foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali and his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono in Tokyo on Monday.

Japan will support Bangladesh to promote mutual bilateral interests as well to realise the development goals of Bangladesh, said the Japanese foreign minister.

AH Mahmood Ali is now on a three-day official trip to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese oreign minister, said the foreign ministry here.

During the official talks, the two foreign ministers discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations between the two countries and reiterated their commitment to further promote comprehensive partnership and strengthen the traditionally close ties between the two countries.

Kono reassured Ali of Japan's continued support to Bangladesh's development efforts.

Earlier, the foreign minister met JICA president Shinichi Kitaoka and exchanged views to strengthen mutual development cooperation between the two countries.

Kitaoka lauded the economic development taking place in Bangladesh and spoke highly of the prudent leadership of prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

He informed the foreign minister that JICA's development assistance will continue to realise the development goals of Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister Ali also met the deputy prime minister and finance minister Taro Aso and former foreign minister Fumio Kishida separately and exchanged views to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.