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Japan-Bangladesh E-Bulletin (59th Issue / Oct 23rd, 2006)

- Making a Bridge between Japan and Bangladesh -

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This E-Bulletin is to share updated information and stories about Japan-Bangladesh relations with as many people as possible. If your friends are interested in subscription, please email us at  mail@embjp.accesstel.net

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[Table of Contents]

[1] Recent Event on Japan-Bangladesh Relations

* Ambassador Inoue’s Visit to Dhaka Shishu Hospital (Oct 18, Dhaka)

* Ambassador Inoue Celebrated Prof. Yunus on Nobel Peace Prize (Oct 13, Dhaka)

* Ambassador Inoue’s Visit to SPFS (Oct 11-12, Mymensignh)

[2] Information

* Prime Minister Abe hosted "Iftar" (Oct 17, Tokyo)

* Submission of the Draft Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament by Japan to the UN (Oct 11, New York)

[3] Editor's Note

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[1] Recent Event on Japan-Bangladesh Relations

* Ambassador Inoue’s Visit to Dhaka Shishu Hospital (Oct 18, Dhaka)

Ambassador Inoue visited Dhaka Shishu Hospital in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on October 18.

Dhaka Shishu Hospital was established in 1972 and is now the biggest Pediatrics institution in Dhaka with around 150 doctors, 100 trainees, and 400 beds. It is financed by the Government of Bangladesh, Dhaka City Corporation, local communities, donors, and international NGOs.

The Government of Japan dispatched 35 JOCVs (Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers) from 1986 through 2001, and assisted to extend the Thalassemia Center.

* Ambassador Inoue Celebrated Prof. Yunus on Nobel Peace Prize (Oct 13, Dhaka)

On the night of October 13, Ambassador Inoue called on Prof. Muhammad Yunus to offer him his congratulations on the Nobel Peace Prize 2006 announced to be presented to Prof. Yunus and Grameen Bank.

(Press release from the Embassy of Japan)

http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/nobelprize151006.html

(Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)

http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2006/10/1013.html

* Ambassador Inoue’s Visit to SPFS Project (Oct 11-12, Mymensingh)

Ambassador Inoue visited the Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS) Project sites at Gobrakura village, Halughat, Mymensingh on October 12.

SPFS project aims at combating poverty and food insecurity in Bangladesh through tailor-made project interventions at grass-root level. It started in July 2002 with donor funds from Japan of US$3.2 million for five years of project duration. It is implemented by the Department of Agricultural Expansion with the technical assistance of FAO. It has been benefiting more than 4,000 households in 21 poverty-stricken project villages.

Ambassador Inoue said “it was quite impressive to see how limited amount of funds can have such a great impact if utilized properly with appropriate planning,” and he encouraged all villagers to continue and further expand on-going activities even beyond the project phase.

(Press release from the Embassy of Japan)

http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/spfs121006.html

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[2] Information

* Prime Minister Abe hosted "Iftar" (Oct 17, Tokyo)

Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, hosted "Iftar" Dinner in order to deepen understanding about Islamic culture and to promote mutual understanding between Japan and the Islamic world through dialogue at the Prime Minister's Office on the evening of October 17. 44 Representatives including Bangladesh were invited.

* Submission of the Draft Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament by Japan to the UN (Oct 11, New York)

The Government of Japan submitted its draft resolution on nuclear disarmament "Renewed determination towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons" to the First Committee of the UN General Assembly on October 11.

It aims at the realization of a peaceful and safe world free from nuclear weapons through a practical and incremental approach, inspired by the strong national sentiment calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons. Japan began submitting a draft resolution on nuclear disarmament to the UN in 1994 and this is the 13th successive year. It will be adopted through deliberations by the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on or after October 23.

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[3] Editor's Note

It was indeed great news that Prof. Yunus and Grameen Bank got the Nobel Peace Prize. I have not been in a country whose citizen or organization was awarded such a prestigious prize of that year and so this is the first time to see the excitement and pride that the award can bring to the entire nation. I am most grateful to Prof. Yunus, Grameen Bank, and the people of Bangladesh for letting me share this joyful moment.

Saori Nagase

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Embassy of Japan

Plot#5&7 Dutabash Road

Baridhara, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Phone (880-2)881-0087

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http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/