Dhaka, Dec 11 (V7N) – Japan remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Bangladesh's reform initiatives and economic growth, outgoing Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori assured during a farewell meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday.

Ambassador Kiminori commended Professor Yunus's leadership and reaffirmed Japan's dedication to strengthening ties through its three primary engagement pillars: peace and stability, economic cooperation, and human-to-human interactions.

"We will do our utmost to support these three pillars," Kiminori stated, emphasizing Tokyo's strong backing for Bangladesh's ongoing reform measures, including electoral reforms.

Professor Yunus expressed gratitude for Japan's unwavering support, highlighting the enduring strength of bilateral relations between the two nations.

"The relationship has always been very strong," he noted, urging greater Japanese investment as the interim government implements reforms to attract foreign direct investment.

"The presence of Japanese investors in Bangladesh sends a positive message for us," Yunus added.

The ambassador lauded the resilience of Japanese businesses, noting that no Japanese company had withdrawn from Bangladesh following the July-August mass uprising.

"They are committed to staying in the country," Kiminori said, extending an invitation for Professor Yunus to attend an annual Nikkei conference in Japan. The event will feature the Japanese prime minister and offer opportunities to engage with top executives of leading Japanese companies.

During the meeting, Ambassador Kiminori also praised the chief adviser's plan to hold an international conference on the Rohingya crisis, reaffirming Japan's support for the initiative.

In response, Professor Yunus reiterated his call for the establishment of a UN-guaranteed safe zone in Myanmar's Rakhine state to temporarily relocate displaced Rohingya communities before their safe return home post-conflict.

Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs and Senior Secretary of the government, also attended the meeting.

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