Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi began their bilateral summit in Tokyo on Tuesday to strengthen the two countries’ strategic partnership, boost trade and investment, and expand cooperation in key sectors.

The talks began at 11:45am local time at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, known as the Kantei.

Earlier, Takaichi warmly welcomed Tarique at the Kantei upon his arrival. A contingent of the Japanese armed forces also accorded him a guard of honour.

After the ceremony, Takaichi introduced members of her cabinet to Tarique, who in turn introduced the members of his delegation to the Japanese Prime Minister.

The two leaders are scheduled to hold talks until 12:10pm. They will make a joint announcement on the outcome of their talks at 12:15pm.

Takaichi will later host a luncheon in honour of Tarique from 12:30pm to 1:10pm.

At the beginning of the lunch, she is scheduled to deliver a brief welcome remark and propose a toast, followed by a short reply and return toast from Tarique.

According to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin, the two leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral relations, expanding business, trade and investment, Japanese cooperation in various sectors and international issues.

The two sides are also expected to explore cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, science and technology, digital transformation, skills development and human resource development.

Tarique is leading a high-level delegation comprising Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, ICT and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad.

Other delegation members include Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment in Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Secretary Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General and Nezame Islam Party acting Secretary General Azizul Haque Islamabadi and Am Janatar Dal General Secretary Md Tarek Rahman are also accompanying the Prime Minister.

The two countries’ national flags were displayed along the road leading to the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office to welcome Tarique.

Tarique then signed the visitors’ book at the entrance to the main hall of the building before the two leaders sat down for bilateral talks.

The Prime Minister arrived in Tokyo on Monday morning on a four-day visit at the invitation of Takaichi.

He was received at Narita International Airport by Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nakasone Yasutaka.

This is Tarique’s third state visit abroad since taking office on February 17 this year. He previously visited Malaysia and China on state visits and travelled to New York, the United States, in September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.