Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh Yoshida Aya said Japan and Bangladesh had enjoyed a strong friendship for decades and expressed optimism that the relationship would continue to deepen between the two countries.

"Japan and Bangladesh enjoy a very good friendship for a long time. I think Japan made the right choice to recognise the independence of Bangladesh at a very early stage," she said, adding that she was "really glad that this friendship is getting stronger.

The Japanese diplomat made the remarks at a reception hosted by President and Group CEO, Cosmos Group Enayetullah Khan at his Baridhara residence.

Distinguished Fellow and Board Member of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) Ambassador Farooq Sobhan, President of Youngone Bangladesh Jahangir Sadat, Prime Minister's Speechwriter Mahfuzur Rahman, academics, former and current diplomats and city elite were present.

Flutist Subrno Tanmoy captivated the guests with his soulful flute performance at the reception, filling the gathering with the melodies of his playing.

She said the two countries are now expanding their relationship beyond traditional areas of cooperation, particularly through business and investment. "I think we are truly becoming partners."

Yoshida said she is pleased to be serving in Bangladesh at a time when bilateral relations are gaining fresh momentum. "I'm so glad that I was posted in this great country at the right moment," she said.

She also expressed her eagerness to engage more closely with Bangladeshis and learn about the country's culture.

"I'm daring to look forward to deepening the relationship with each and every one of you," Yoshida said.

Impressed by the artwork, photographs, crafts and jewellery displayed at the venue, she said the gathering had given her a deeper appreciation of Bangladesh's cultural richness.

"This is really my first time to feel that you have a beautiful culture here. I really want to learn from you all about the arts of Bangladesh," she said.

Bangladesh-Japan relations, rooted in a longstanding "all-weather friendship," are increasingly evolving into a partnership centred on trade and investment, said said Enayetullah Khan, also Editor-in-Chief of United News of Bangladesh (UNB).

"Our relationship with Japan is very time-tested. It is an all-weather friendship," he said, wishing greater, wider and stronger relationship between Bangladesh and Japan.

Khan highlighted the intellectual linkages forged during the six visits between 1916 and 1929 to Japan of the poet Rabindranath Tagore and the support accorded by Japan to the freedom struggle of the Subcontinent from the British through Netaji Subhas Bose later down the line.

He said the links forged may have led Japan to recognize and establishing relationship with independent Bangladesh on February 1972 long before its friend and primary ally, the USA.

Khan said Japan has made no secret of its hopes that Bangladesh can play a key role in realizing its Indo Pacific Strategy, styled as its vision for a Free and Open Indo Pacific (FOIP), aimed at ensuring a rules-based international order to bring stability and prosperity "for every country" as well as to secure peace and prosperity in the region.

Recalling his first visit to Japan in 1985 as the youngest member of a Bangladesh delegation during the tenure of Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, Khan said his memories of Japan had remained vivid over the decades.

"I was 32 years young at that time, but that memory is an unforgettable moment for me," he said, recalling a Guard of Honour ceremony.

"I have always had great respect for Japanese culture and the Japanese way of doing business," Khan said.

Khan pointed to the historical and intellectual connections between the two countries, urging the guests to explore the depth of those ties.

A short video highlighting WildTeam's activities regarding its Conservation Biology Centre was screened at the event.