Ahmed at Bangabhaban yesterday.

Welcoming the Japanese councillor, the president recalled the three decades of friendly relations between the two countries. He said the people of the country are appreciative of the Japanese contribution to the development of Bangladesh, says an official handout.

Japan could provide assistance for human resources development alongside infrastructure development of Bangladesh, he said while mentioning the personal contribution of Sakurai to some development projects.

The President laid emphasis on expansion of bilateral cooperation in the field of higher education.

Referring to the close ties between the two countries, Sakurai said there are ample opportunities for boosting bilateral economic cooperation in the years to come. He gave assurances of continued assistance for infrastructural development of Bangladesh.

Sakurai emphasised the need for increased contacts between parliament members of the two countries.

Japanese ambassador Matsushiro Horiguchi and high officials were present during the meeting.