Takaichi on X After the Summit: Bangladesh a Friend Sharing Democratic Values, Japan Will Strongly Back Its Nation-Building Efforts

Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi has praised the leadership of prime minister Tarique Rahman. She described Bangladesh as a friend that believes in values such as democracy and the rule of law, and promised strong support for the Tarique Rahman government's efforts in national development.

The bilateral summit between the two prime ministers was held in Tokyo on Tuesday (27 October), the second day of prime minister Tarique Rahman's four-day visit to Japan. After the meeting, the Japanese prime minister set out her remarks in a post on her official X account.

Takaichi wrote in the post: ‘As a friend who is a partner in shared values such as democracy and the rule of law, I am extremely pleased to be able to personally congratulate Prime Minister Rahman on assuming his office.’

She said: ‘Japan will strongly support the nation-building efforts of the Rahman administration, formed through a democratic election.’ The meeting reflected Japan's recognition of Bangladesh's democratic transition and its interest in deepening cooperation with the new government.

Takaichi said Bangladesh is an important partner of Japan in building a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’. She emphasised Bangladesh's strategic geographical position connecting South and Southeast Asia.

The ‘Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt’, or ‘Big-B’, initiative featured prominently in the two leaders' talks. Takaichi said both leaders had reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the initiative. The initiative, a core foundation of the two countries' economic cooperation, will be elevated under the leadership of the two prime ministers into a new strategic cooperation framework called ‘Sharing Prosperity Big-B’.

The Japanese prime minister also highlighted Bangladesh's economic potential. She described Bangladesh as a huge market with a young population of 170 million, which is becoming increasingly important for Japan's economy. She said: ‘Bangladesh, connecting Southeast Asia and South Asia, is extremely important for Japan's economy.’

Referring to the talks, Takaichi said prime minister Tarique Rahman had recalled Bangladesh's long friendship with Japan and praised the recognition Japan gave soon after Bangladesh's independence. The prime minister expressed gratitude for Japan's contributions in various sectors of Bangladesh and described Japan as a special partner for the people of Bangladesh. According to Takaichi, the Bangladeshi prime minister acknowledged Japan's unwavering support for Bangladesh since independence.

The Japanese prime minister said the two countries would work closely, through government and private-sector initiatives, to further strengthen their strategic partnership. Referring to the joint statement issued after the summit, she said it would serve as a guide for the future direction of bilateral cooperation. She wrote: ‘Under our two countries' strategic partnership — and in light of the leaders' joint statement announced today — we will work together through government and private-sector initiatives.’

Takaichi reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with prime minister Tarique Rahman to advance peace, stability and shared prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. She said: ‘I will work closely with Prime Minister Rahman to achieve peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.’