Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman. File Photo

DHAKA, June 3, 2026 (BSS) - Japan has congratulated Foreign Minister Dr. 
Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st session of the 
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), expressing confidence in his 
leadership and pledging closer cooperation with Bangladesh in multilateral 
forums.

In a message, the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh extended its warmest 
congratulations to Khalilur Rahman on his election to the prestigious post.

"We wish him every success as he undertakes this important responsibility," 
the embassy said.

Japan also expressed its eagerness to further strengthen the Japan-Bangladesh 
Strategic Partnership through closer collaboration at the United Nations and 
other multilateral platforms.

"We look forward to further deepening the Japan-Bangladesh Strategic 
Partnership through even closer collaboration at the United Nations and in 
other multilateral fora," the embassy added.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was elected President of the 81st session of 
the UN General Assembly after defeating Cyprus' candidate Andreas S. Kakouris 
in a secret ballot held at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

Of the 190 votes cast, Khalilur Rahman secured 99 votes, while Kakouris 
received 91.