Stressing the need for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity of the region, he urged Japanese Ambassador Naoki Ito to use its leverage with Myanmar to create a conducive environment for an early, safe, sustainable and dignified repatriation of 1.1 million Rohingyas temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh to their ancestral homes in Rakhaine state.

Dr Momen discussed the issue when the Ambassador met him on Sunday.

In response, the Ambassador referred to Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi’s recent visit to Myanmar where he called upon the Myanmar authorities for an early repatriation of the Rohingyas and assured that his government would continue to pursue the matter.

He said Japan reiterated its position regarding repatriation at the Conference on Sustaining Support for the Rohingya Refugee Response held on October 22.

The Foreign Minister appreciated Japan’s continued support for strengthening infrastructural and socio-economic development of Bangladesh.

He urged Japanese entrepreneurs to invest in two special economic zones -- in Araihazar (Narayanganj) and Gazipur—of Bangladesh.

Dr Momen called upon Japanese businesses to take advantage of Bangladesh’s high corporate profitability, business-friendly policies, massive domestic market and strategic access to key markets across the world.

He termed Bangladesh a good destination for investment and hoped to elevate further the level of cooperation between the two friendly countries.

The Ambassador referred to the newly-elected Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and expressed Japan’s keenness to further strengthen the bilateral relations.

Both the Foreign Minister and the Ambassador expressed satisfaction at the existing excellent bilateral relations and agreed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2022 by organising special events.

Dr Momen also thanked the government of Japan for their support in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic.

Also read: Bangladesh seeks Greek support over Rohingya repatriation