The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Foreign Advisor Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who is now in Japan, has said that Bangladesh would always stand by Japan and offer every support and cooperation in order so that Japan may play in the international arena the role that is due to them. The Foreign Adviser said this to the media after holding bilateral talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura at the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo Monday evening.

"As Asia grows today, Japan is in a lead role. Bangladesh will always stand by Japan and offer every support and cooperation in order so that Japan may play in the international arena the role that is due to them," Dr Iftekhar said. Foreign Minister Koumura was very appreciative of Bangladesh as a "model of development that includes societal transformations through indigenous ideas such as micro-credit and non formal education for women."

During the meeting, they discussed continued Japanese support to Bangladesh's development including the on-going 30th Loan Agreement Negotiations. They also addressed the subject of cooperation on such issues as Climate Change and for the forth coming G-8 Summit to take place in Japan in July this year. The talks also covered UN security council reforms and regional issues in South Asia including the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury extended a very warm welcome to Foreign Minister Koumura to visit Bangladesh.

The Foreign Adviser who is in Tokyo on a 4 day visit addressed an audience at the United Nations University on "G-8: Putting development back in the Doha Round". It was largely attended by academics and diplomats.