Government to review defense agreement with Japan

Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said that the recently-outgoing interim government has signed an agreement with Japan on the transfer of defense equipment and technology. However, the new government will review the content of the agreement and if it is in line with national interests, it will be maintained.

He said this while talking to reporters after a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Japanese Ambassador to Dhaka Saida Shinichi at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

The adviser said that it is not possible to give any decision now without seeing the details of the agreement. If it is based on the country's interests, it will continue, otherwise it will be reconsidered.

The Japanese ambassador said that the issue of the defense agreement was raised in the meeting and discussions were held to ensure that it proceeds smoothly. At the same time, cooperation was also discussed in sending skilled Bangladeshi workers to Japan.

The meeting discussed various issues including bilateral relations between the two countries, Indo-Pacific issues, strategic partnership and Matarbari project.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Adviser to the Prime Minister Mahdi Amin, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Dr. Neamat Ullah Bhuiyan were also present.