Visit to Japan will expand ties

Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury left for Tokyo yesterday morning on an invitation of Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura.
"This visit to Japan would expand bilateral cooperations," he said this prior to his departure at Zia International Airport.
"Japan will play a significant role as the host of G-8 Summit in global economy this year. She is a major actor in the international stage.
Bangladesh is a 'Thought-leader' in development and a potentially important player in global economy. There is much we can do working together," Iftekhar said.
During his four-day visit Iftekhar is scheduled to hold formal bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart Masahiko Koumura.
The Japanese foreign minister will host a dinner in honour of the foreign adviser following the talks today.
The foreign adviser will sign an 'exchange of notes' for a Japanese loan of US$ 60 million for 'Emergency disaster damage rehabilitation project' in Bangladesh.
He will also meet with the President of Japan International Training Cooperation (JITCO) Tashio Takano and with the Senior Vice President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kenzo Oshima.
The adviser will deliver a speech on 'Doha and G-8: Putting development back into Doha Round of trade talks' at the United Nations University in Tokyo.
He will speak on 'Bangladesh foreign policy and climate change' at the Japan National Press Club.
The adviser will also hold a meeting with the president of Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary League and former foreign minister Taro Aso.
He will pay a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Japanese Diet (Parliament) Yohei Kono on the same day.
Iftekhar will place a wreath at the 'Shaheed Minar' at Toshima City, Tokyo, along with officials of the city corporation.
"Good relations and close cooperation with Japan are an extremely key elements in our foreign policy," he further observed.
He is expected to return on February 28.