Dhaka, May 31 -- Japan and Bangladesh have announced plans to sign an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) within the next few months to deepen their economic and trade ties.

The announcement came on Friday following a bilateral meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus in Tokyo, according to state news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

Their talks encompassed the entire gamut of the relationships between the two friendly countries, with both leaders reaffirming their abiding commitment to strategic partnership.

Describing Bangladesh as "a long-standing friend", Ishiba pledged Japan's support for Bangladesh's democratic transition efforts.

He also paid tribute to Yunus...