After Summit, Japan's PM Takaichi Praises Tarique Rahman's Leadership in X Post as 'Big-B' Is Upgraded to New Framework

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has praised the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. In a post on her official X account after the two prime ministers' bilateral summit in Tokyo, she described Bangladesh as a friend state that believes in values such as democracy and the rule of law, and pledged strong support for the Tarique Rahman government's efforts at national development.

The bilateral summit between the two countries' prime ministers was held in Tokyo on Tuesday, the second day of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's four-day visit to Japan. In her X post afterwards, Japan's prime minister wrote: 'As a friend sharing common values such as democracy and the rule of law, I am extremely pleased to have been able to personally congratulate Prime Minister Rahman on assuming office.'

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

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

Takaichi said the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the 'Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt', or 'Big-B', initiative. The initiative is a core foundation of economic cooperation between the two countries.

She also said that, under the leadership of the two prime ministers, the initiative will be upgraded into a new strategic cooperation framework called 'Sharing Prosperity Big-B'.

Japan's prime minister also highlighted Bangladesh's economic potential. Describing Bangladesh as a large market of 170 million people with a young population, she said Bangladesh, connecting Southeast Asia and South Asia, is extremely important for Japan's economy and is becoming increasingly so.

Referring to their discussions, Takaichi said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recalled the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and Japan and praised the recognition Japan gave soon after Bangladesh's independence.

According to her, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude for Japan's contributions to various sectors of Bangladesh, described Japan as a special partner for the people of Bangladesh, and acknowledged Japan's unwavering support for Bangladesh since independence.

Japan's prime minister said the two countries will work closely to further strengthen their strategic partnership through public and private sector initiatives. Referring to the joint statement issued after the summit, she wrote: 'Under the strategic partnership between our two countries and in light of the leaders' joint statement announced today, we will work together through public and private sector initiatives.'

Takaichi also 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.'