PM's visit to be delayed for political situation, Covid restrictions in Japan: FM

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said the planned visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan would be delayed due to a number of reasons including political situation in Japan and restricted mobility due to Covid-19.

"They have invited us. We are observing the situation," he told reporters at a media briefing at a hotel in Dhaka.

Momen also referred to resignation of three cabinet members of Japan and hinted that Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida might face more questions.

In a separate briefing, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Thursday hinted at the possibility of rescheduling PM Hasina's planned official visit to Japan.

"The visit will soon take place. We have not made any official announcement regarding the visit," he told reporters, noting that the date will be announced later.

After his meeting with Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Takei Shunsuke, held at InterContinental Hotel, Dhaka on Thursday, Shahriar interacted with journalists present there.

He said there are many aspects in diplomacy and changes take place even at the last moment.

"You heard about a date but the visit is not taking place on that date considering the current perspective," he said.

Shahriar said there are some agreements and MoUs which will be signed during prime minister-level talks.

Earlier, FM Momen told the media that the visit might take place from 29 November.

On Wednesday evening, Momen said Japan is ready to receive a Bangladesh delegation led by PM Hasina to further deepen the relations between the two countries.

"Bangladesh-Japan relations are very deep. It will further be deepened through the visit," he told reporters.

Momen said Japan is keen to elevate the comprehensive relations to a strategic one. "We like each other."