Hasina highlights Japan outcome

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Japanese investors have shown their keen interest in Bangladesh for investment in different sectors.
The $6 billion financial support of Japan would be utilised in many infrastructure and big projects, she told at a press conference at Gono Bhaban in the afternoon. The press meet was arranged to focus on the success of her recent visit to Japan.
Terming her recent visit to Japan very successful, she said the tour has added a new dimension to the existing good relations between Dhaka and Tokyo.
The government of Japan has pledged all-out cooperation and assistance for the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh, mentioned the PM.
Immediately after the independence, she said, Japan recognised the new sovereign Bangladesh and extended its unflinching support to rebuilding and economic development of the war-ravaged country.
At the official bilateral talks, the two premiers agreed to establish a “comprehensive partnership” for further deepening the bilateral ties, added Hasina.
The PM said the Japanese government has agreed to be involved in some very important and big projects, including some big power plants in Bangladesh.
Japan will construct a 1300-MW ultra critical coal-fired new power plant at Matarbari of Moheshkhali in Cox's Bazar. A Japanese expert team will visit the site to this end.
Japan also reaffirmed its support to establish a peace-building centre in Bangladesh as a symbol of the two countries' cooperation in UN peacekeeping and peace-building efforts, noted the PM.
Both the leaders, she added, agreed to extend reciprocal visa exemption for the diplomatic and official passport holders of the two countries.
RELATIONS WITH INDIA
On Bangladesh's relations with the new Indian government, Hasina said previous Awami League governments had worked with five different governments of India from 1996-2001 and 2009-2014 by maintaining good ties and solving many problems.
“During that period, we have realised the fair share of the Ganges water and reached an understanding [with India] on the Tipaimukh issue,” she mentioned.
The AL government, she said, has taken initiatives to solve land boundary problems with India. “Bangladesh has already ratified the Land Boundary Agreement, while India has placed the deal in its parliament. I have firm belief that we could solve the problems,” she added.
About the much-awaited Teesta deal, the PM said no other government except that of the AL took any initiative for discussions on the Teesta agreement with India.
“We were about to ink the Teesta agreement, but it was not done due to the veto of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the last moment. Despite that, we took the deal far ahead,” she noted.
The PM said she wants her Indian counterpart visit Bangladesh first as she has invited him first. “There must be exchange of visits. Problems will exist, but those could be solved through discussions. Our policy is friendship to all, malice to none.”