“Though the situation (Covid-19) is yet to be contained, I expect the year 2021 will bring us new opportunities for partnership beyond this difficulty,” he said, gladly sharing that Dhaka MRT Line 6 is expected to start its operation within this year.

In a video message, the Japanese Ambassador said quality infrastructure projects like Dhaka MRT, third terminal of Dhaka airport and Matarbari deep seaport are making significant progress without considerable delay.

Also read: Tokyo to build stronger ties with Dhaka utilising opportunities ahead: Envoy

“Japan is proud to make contributions to the future development of Bangladesh amid the difficult period caused by the pandemic,” he said.

Ambassador Naoki said they will resume and further promote people to people interactions and cultural exchanges.

Also read: Japan keen to strengthen bilateral ties with Bangladesh: Envoy

From July this year, Tokyo will host the Olympics and Paralympic Games. The Ambassador said he sincerely hopes Bangladesh will uplift and show the best of their abilities and bring back first Olympic medal.

He mentioned that Bangladesh will celebrate 50 years of its Independence this year and the two countries will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2022. “I would like to take these milestones to further foster bilateral relationship and friendship.”

Also read: Japan to continue supporting Bangladesh to fight COVID-19

He wished everyone a very prosperous and healthy New Year and hoped to bring the two countries even closer to each other.  

The Ambassador recalled that it was unusual year and it changed everyday life completely that no one had imagined a year ago. He, however, said the bilateral relations grew stronger.

Also read: Tokyo looks for deeper ties with Dhaka overcoming COVID-19

Terming Bangladesh a new frontier of economy and investment, Japanese Ambassador Naoki recently said Bangladesh will keep growing strongly beyond Covid-19 pandemic with quality infrastructure projects in place giving Bangladesh a completely different look in next three-five years.

“Within next three to five years, things will be completely different, the face of the nation will look so different and the landscape of infrastructure will be so different with the implementation of quality projects,” he told diplomatic correspondents at Jatiya Press Club.

Also read: Bangladesh awaits a different look in 3-5 yrs: Japan