1. GENERAL

Japan and Bangladesh have maintained friendly relations since February 10th, 1972, through economic and technical cooperation, cultural exchanges and mutual visits. Japan is a major development partner for Bangladesh, extending support to the efforts of Bangladesh for its economic and social development. The two governments signed the Agreement on Technical Cooperation between Japan and Bangladesh on December 8th, 2002 to strengthen further mutual technical cooperation by consolidating its infrastructure and simplifying its process under a single umbrella framework.

Mutual support and cooperation in international arena have also produced excellent results and deepened the trust between both governments. In private economic sector, the bilateral relations are increasingly strengthened and diversified. Agreement between Japan and the People's Republic of Bangladesh concerning the Promotion and Protection of Investment entered into force in 1999.

The year 2002 marked the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bangladesh. To convey resolve of the Japanese Government towards further enhancement of its ties with Bangladesh, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi dispatched Mr. Shin Sakurai, M.P. and Vice President of Japan Bangladesh Parliamentarians League, to Bangladesh as his special envoy in October 2002. Throughout the year 2002, a series of cultural programs was held to commemorate the anniversary. H.E. M. Morshed Khan, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, visited Japan in March-April, 2003, for bilateral consultations with the Japanese Government.

2. DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS