ZCZC
BSS-33
BANGLADESH-JAPAN-ROHINGYA
Dhaka urges Tokyo to solve Rohingya crisis levering ties with Myanmar
DHAKA, Oct 25, 2020 (BSS) – Dhaka has sought Tokyo’s strong support in resolving the Rohingya crisis using Japan’s relations with Myanmar, by creating a conducive environment for the displaced people’s early, safe, sustainable and dignified repatriation from Bangladesh.
The urged was made while Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Naoki Ito made a call on Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen in the capital today, a foreign ministry press release said here.
During the meeting, Dr Momen said forcefully displaced 1.1 million Rohingyas, temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh, must go back to their ancestral homes in Rakhaine state in Myanmar for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity of the region.
In reply, the ambassador referred to Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi’s recent visit to Myanmar where he called upon Naypyidaw for an early repatriation of the Rohingyas and assured that his government would continue to pursue the matter.
He added that Japan reiterated their position regarding repatriation at the Conference on Sustaining Support for the Rohingya Refugee Response held on 22 October.
The foreign minister appreciated Japan’s continued support for strengthening infrastructural and socio-economic development of Bangladesh.
He urged the Japanese entrepreneurs to invest in two special economic zones in Araihazar (Narayanganj) and Gazipur.
Dr Momen said Japanese businesses may take advantage of Bangladesh’s high corporate profitability, business-friendly policies, massive domestic market and strategic access to key markets across the world.
The foreign minister termed Bangladesh as a good destination for investment and hoped to elevate further the level of cooperation between the two friendly countries.
The envoy referred to the newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and expressed Japan’s keenness to further strengthen the bilateral relations.
Both of them expressed satisfaction over the existing excellent bilateral relations and agreed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2022 by organising special events.
Dr. Momen thanked the government of Japan for their support in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
BSS/TA/GA/1906 hrs