The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Japan is committed to continuously support the people and the government of Bangladesh, as seen from emergency relief and post-cyclone rehabilitation operations in the Sidr affected areas, said Japanese Ambassador Masayuki Inoue.

Ambassador Inoue was addressing a reception to celebrate the 74th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the Japanese Ambassador's residence at Baridhara in Dhaka on Sunday night.

LGRD and Cooperatives Adviser Mohammed Anwarul Iqbal attended the reception as the guest of honour.

Politicians, diplomats, former ministers, senior government officials, businessmen, writers, artists and journalists attended the reception.

The Ambassador said this year has been special for Japan and Bangladesh, as it is the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"During these years, we have seen strengthening our relationship in a wide range of areas-from diplomatic relations, trade and investment and development cooperation to cultural exchanges," he said. "Since the independence of Bangladesh, we, Japan and Bangladesh, have been building up our friendly and stable relationship."

Ambassador Inoue said Japan truly appreciates Bangladesh for its continuous friendship.

He also expressed his sincere feeling of gratitude for being such a good friend of Japan.

Addressing the reception, Adviser Mohammed Anwarul Iqbal said Japan's overseas development assistance (ODA) has made visible positive impact on the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, particularly in the fields of infrastructure, poverty alleviation, human resources development, education, culture, health, science and technology.

Japan is also a significant source of foreign direct investment and has turned out to become an important trading partner of Bangladesh, he said.

"We're happy at the increasing quantum of bilateral trade between our two countries in the recent years and we hope, Bangladesh's export to Japan would witness an accelerated growth in the days ahead," the Adviser said.

Moreover, he said the cultural exchanges and the people-to-people visits have strengthened the bond of friendship between the two countries and peoples based on mutual respect and understanding.

Iqbal, who is also the Adviser for Labour and Manpower, said the historical links between Bangladesh and Japan are age-old, manifest not only in cultural exchanges, but also in genuine appreciation of each other's heritage.

"We recall with gratitude that Japan was one of the first countries to recognize Bangladesh on February 10, 1972. Since then our close bilateral cooperation has steadily grown and become multifaceted," he said.

The Adviser also mentioned that Bangladesh and Japan shared common values and aspirations in matters of regional and international concerns. Both the countries are closely working together in various regional and international forums, including the United Nations, especially for promotion of peace, stability and development across the world.

"We appreciate the contribution of Japan in SAARC and hope that Japan would be able to make further contribution to SAARC as an observer," he said.

The Adviser said: "We believe, our commonalities of interests will lead the two countries to march together for shaping a better future. We sincerely hope that the partnership between our two countries will continue to flourish in the years to come."

Conveying the warmest felicitations to the government and people of Japan on the occasion of Japan's National Day and the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor, Iqbal said the government and people of Bangladesh acknowledge the significance of the Monarchy of Japan as a national symbol and it is through the Imperial Throne that the Japanese people identify themselves as truly Japanese.

"This great day marks the glorious history of Japan's unprecedented economic, commercial, cultural and social achievements," he said.

The Adviser also expressed his sincere thanks to Ambassador Inoue and his colleagues at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka for contributing significantly towards strengthening the relations between the two friendly countries and the peoples.