Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa has said his country would continue to assist Bangladesh in the efforts to repatriate the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

He made the assurance when Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen sought more involvement of Japan for an early solution to the Rohingya problem.

During their bilateral meeting at the Japanese Foreign Ministry on Monday, Bangladesh placed the issue of Rohingya problem and steps taken so far including relocation of 30,000 Rohingyas voluntarily to Bhashan Char.

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Momen thanked Japan who has come forward to assist Bangladesh as well as for her persistent commitment.

Minister Hayashi raised the situations in Ukraine, North Korea and in the Indo-Pacific and sought Bangladesh’s understanding and cooperation.

Foreign Minister Momen said Bangladesh is a peace-loving country and against war.

"Where there is war be it Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria or Libya there is collateral damage of life and property which we are witnessing in Ukraine. Bangladesh sheltered Rohingyas on humanitarian ground and supported action for humanitarian access in Ukraine," he said.

Momen was on transit in Tokyo for several hours and left for Palau on Monday afternoon to participate in the Ocean Conference to be held on 11-15 April 2022.

The hour-long bilateral meeting was their first official talks after Minister Hayashi took office in November, 2021, according to a message received from Tokyo.

The meeting was held at the backdrop of the two friendly countries celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on 10 February 2022.

Mentioning Japan as a household name in Bangladesh and largest bilateral development partner, Momen invited more Japanese investments to Bangladesh, particularly in emerging sectors like Blue Economy, Automobiles, ICT, Pharmaceuticals, light engineering, electronics, etc.

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The Japanese Foreign Minister underscored that with the economic propensity of Bangladesh more Japanese companies will be attracted to invest in Bangladesh and agreed to cooperate more in Blue Economy, ICT and Pharmaceuticals to advance bilateral economic relations.

In response to Foreign Minister Momen’s request to provide more scholarships and skill development training to the young population, who are quick learner and diligent, Foreign Minister Hayashi stated that Japan would continue to provide scholarships and skill development to Bangladesh in human resource development.

Foreign Minister Momen also acknowledged the vaccine provisions by Japan which has helped Bangladesh, which so far has efficiently managed the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, the two foreign ministers discussed important regional and international development, the climate change and its impact on vulnerable countries like Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Tokyo Shahabuddin Ahmed; Deputy Chief of Mission, Shah Asif Rahman and Director (Foreign Minister’s Office), Md. Emdadul Islam Chowdhury were also present at the meeting.