DHAKA, Feb 25, 2026 (BSS)- Japan has invited Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman to visit Tokyo at a mutually convenient time, as Dhaka and Tokyo reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening long-standing bilateral relations across diverse sectors.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Shinichi Saida conveyed the invitation during a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman at the Foreign Ministry here on Tuesday, said a foreign ministry's press release today. 

During the meeting, the Ambassador congratulated Dr. Rahman on his assumption of office and reiterated Japan's commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.

The two sides discussed collaboration under the Employment Skill Development Programme (ESDP), with particular focus on skills enhancement and Japanese language training for Bangladeshi workers aspiring to work in Japan.

Dr. Rahman underscored the importance of improving access to information and proposed the development of a digital matchmaking platform to facilitate recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi workers by Japanese employers.

The discussions also covered defence procurement, cooperation in metro rail projects and mutual support in international forums.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, Adviser to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Disaster Management and Relief, and Civil Aviation and Tourism Humayun Kabir, Adviser to the Ministries of Education, Primary and Mass Education, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and Labour and Employment Mahdi Amin, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Dr Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, among others, were present at the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Ambassador Saida also paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam.

Recalling Japan's early recognition of Bangladesh, the State Minister reaffirmed her commitment to advancing Bangladesh-Japan relations and appreciated Japan's continued support, including on the Rohingya issue.