Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to embark on a four-day official visit to Japan on October 26.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir stated that the visit will prioritize strengthening bilateral relations, consolidating economic partnership, and boosting investment between the two nations.

He made the remarks while talking to reporters after attending a seminar titled "From Labor Force to Strategic Partnership: The New Configuration of Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia Relations" at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Saturday (October 10).

"Our primary priorities during the Japan visit will be strengthening bilateral ties, consolidating our economic partnership, and increasing investment," Humayun Kabir said.

He noted that, in line with ongoing engagements with other countries, Bangladesh will place high importance on trade, investment, and development partnerships across various sectors during the tour.

Bangladesh now aims to build mutual investment partnerships with countries around the world in specific areas of cooperation, he added.

Describing Japan as one of Bangladesh’s largest and longest-standing development partners, the State Minister said that Japanese investments in several mega-projects have played a pivotal role in fostering robust diplomatic and investment ties between the two countries.

He shared that last April, upon the special invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended an online conference initiated by Japan to address energy crises and fuel supply stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

During that summit, he emphasized the necessity for regional countries to work collectively.

This engagement has helped increase the Japanese government's confidence in the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Humayun Kabir remarked.

He further mentioned that the upcoming visit will feature detailed discussions on bilateral cooperation across various sectors and avenues for mutual investment.

Regarding a potential visit to Saudi Arabia, the State Minister stated that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit the country, and the Prime Minister has accepted the invitation. He will visit Saudi Arabia at a convenient time soon.

The seminar was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the Center for Migration Studies at North South University (NSU).

Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Bilateral Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Md. Mokhtar Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, addressed the event as special guests.

BIISS Director General Major General ASM Ridwanur Rahman and NSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury also spoke at the seminar.