Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen thanked Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu for Japan’s decision to provide 3.0 million AstraZeneca vaccines to Bangladesh through the WHO-COVAX mechanism.  "We acknowledge with deep appreciation the continued assistance of Japan in facing the challenges of Covid-19 pandemic in Bangladesh, including the direct budgetary support," he said in a letter to his Japanese counterpart. The first consignment of 2,45,200 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine arrived here on Saturday afternoon from Japan. Also read: Bangladesh to go for Covid vaccine coproduction soon: FM Foreign Minister Dr Momen received the vaccine doses that came under the COVAX facility. "We urge all for a global and united response for containing this pandemic, ensuring availability of vaccines on a global scale and mobility of resources to stimulate the global economy," Dr Momen mentioned in his letter. He also lauded Japanese Prime Minister Suga’s leadership in hosting the Vaccine Summit on June 2 and committing vaccines and funds to combat the pandemic. "As we prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relation between our two friendly countries in 2022, I reaffirm that Bangladesh considers Japan as a true and trusted friend and also a reliable development partner," Dr Momen said. He mentioned that both the countries are now working to upgrade the Bangladesh-Japan relationship from a ‘Comprehensive Partnership’ to the ‘Strategic Partnership’ level.  "I sincerely believe that our ongoing Covid cooperation will further strengthen and deepen our bilateral relation," Momen said, wishing the Tokyo Olympic Games a grand success.  He wished his Japanese counterpart a long life with good health and happiness, and continued peace, progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Japan.  Japan says it will stand by Bangladesh in the fight against Covid-19. Also read: 3 mn more Moderna vaccine jabs reach Bangladesh  Earlier, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi made an announcement that 15 countries in the region will be provided with 11 million doses in total under the COVAX facility.