Japan sought Bangladesh's support to its candidature to become a permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, reported the Daily Star on Sunday.

Japanese Ambassador in Dhaka Matsushiro Horiguchi Saturday called on Bangladeshi Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan and made the request during discussion on bilateral issues and UN reforms.

The foreign minister was quoted as saying after the meeting that Japan sought Bangladesh's support during the talks.

Being a coordinator for Asian countries on UN reforms, Bangladesh's position in this respect is neutral and independent, said Morshed Khan.

When asked about Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's official visit to Tokyo, the foreign minister said the tour could take place between early July and early August, while the precise time and dates would be worked out through diplomatic channels.

Source: Xinhua