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The Prime Minister in Action
Japan-Bangladesh Summit Meeting and Other Events
May 29, 2019
Photograph of the leaders shaking hands
Photograph of the Prime Minister welcoming the Prime Minister of Bangladesh (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister welcoming the Prime Minister of Bangladesh (2)
Photograph of the salute and the guard of honor ceremony (1)
Photograph of the salute and the guard of honor ceremony (2)
Photograph of the salute and the guard of honor ceremony (3)
Photograph of the Japan-Bangladesh Summit Meeting (1)
Photograph of the Japan-Bangladesh Summit Meeting (2)
Photograph of the Japan-Bangladesh Summit Meeting (3)
Photograph of the leaders attending the signing ceremony (1)
Photograph of the leaders attending the signing ceremony (2)
Photograph of the joint press announcement (1)
Photograph of the joint press announcement (2)
Photograph of the joint press announcement (3)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the banquet hosted by Prime Minister Abe and Mrs. Abe (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the banquet hosted by Prime Minister Abe and Mrs. Abe (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the banquet hosted by Prime Minister Abe and Mrs. Abe (3)
On May 29, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hosted a summit meeting and other events with H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The two leaders attended a salute and guard of honor ceremony, followed by a summit meeting. Afterwards, the leaders held a signing ceremony and a joint press announcement.
Lastly, the Prime Minister hosted a banquet at the Prime Minister's Official Residence and said in his address,
“I extend my heartfelt welcome to Prime Minister Hasina, an important friend of Japan, on your visit to Japan.
At the summit meeting held earlier today, Prime Minister Hasina and I held a very meaningful exchange of views. Now, I would like to invite you to relax and enjoy some Japanese cuisine.
Japan was one of the first countries in the world to recognize Bangladesh as a state, soon after its independence. Since then, bound by strong ties, our two countries have been cultivating friendly relations as true friends that help one another.
I really like this national flag of Bangladesh. I was told that H.E. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the very first President of the country and Prime Minister Hasina’s father, chose the design of this national flag, which resembles the rising sun of the Japanese flag, thinking of Japan. It is wonderful that both countries chose the design of their respective national flags that can be drawn easily, even by children.
Bangladesh shares many aspects in common with Japan, including the beautiful rural landscapes supported by the blessings of abundant water sources, rice as the staple food, and the widespread use of rickshaws, a word originating from Japanese, as a mode of transportation for the people in bustling cities. The Japanese cannot help feeling a strong sense of affinity with Bangladesh. Recently, we have been having more opportunities to wear made-in-Bangladesh garments, such as clothing from UNIQLO. Japan and the golden Bengal that grows ever brighter are steadily building a richer and deeper relationship.
At tonight’s banquet, we are joined by leaders who have supported the friendly relations of our two countries in fields such as politics, the economy, and culture. It is thanks to you that we enjoy such wonderful Japan-Bangladesh relations today. I hope that you will maintain your ongoing efforts for the further development of Japan-Bangladesh relations.
In closing, I would like to propose a toast to the good health and happiness of Prime Minister Hasina and all of you gathering here today, and the further development of our friendly ties between the two countries. Let me give this toast in orange juice today.”
