State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh will focus on strengthening bilateral relations, deepening economic partnerships and increasing investment during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's upcoming four‑day visit to Japan, scheduled to begin on October 26.
He made the remarks after attending a seminar titled "From Workforce to Strategic Partnership: Reimagining Bangladesh‑KSA Relations" in Dhaka, where he outlined the priorities for the Japan trip.
Kobir emphasized that trade, investment and development cooperation across various sectors are central to Bangladesh's agenda, seeking reciprocal partnerships that build on Japan's role as a long‑standing development partner.
He noted that Japanese investment in several mega‑projects has already strengthened diplomatic and economic ties, and that the upcoming discussions will target sector‑specific cooperation and new investment opportunities.
The minister recalled Prime Minister Rahman's previous virtual participation in an energy summit in Japan in April, which helped foster confidence in Bangladesh's leadership and set the stage for deeper engagement.
In addition to Japan, Kobir mentioned that the prime minister has accepted an invitation from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince for a future visit, and that Saudi Arabia has also expressed interest in visiting Bangladesh.
He added that Bangladesh stands ready to support initiatives to protect the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah if called upon, underscoring the country's commitment to the Muslim world.
The seminar was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the Center for Migration Studies of North South University (NSU), with senior officials including Foreign Ministry Secretary (Bilateral) Dr Md Nazrul Islam and Expatriates' Welfare Secretary Md Mokhtar Ahmed attending as special guests.
BIISS Director General Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman and NSU Vice‑Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury also addressed the gathering, highlighting the strategic importance of diversified international partnerships for Bangladesh's development.
Why it matters
Deepening economic ties with Japan can boost Bangladesh's growth and diversify its investment sources.