BD for mutually beneficial, forward-looking ties with neighbours

Bangladesh has reiterated its commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial and forward-looking relations with neighbouring countries in order to promote regional peace and prosperity.

The message was conveyed by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam when the ambassadors of Bhutan and Nepal paid separate courtesy calls on her at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Sunday.

According to the ministry, Dasho Karma Hamu Dorjee, Ambassador of Bhutan to Bangladesh, and Ghanshyam Bhandari, Ambassador of Nepal, congratulated the State Minister on assuming office and conveyed their governments' interest in working closely with the new government of Bangladesh.

During the meeting with the Bhutanese envoy, the two sides reviewed the overall state of Bangladesh-Bhutan relations and expressed interest in further strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade and commerce, energy, connectivity, education and people-to-people contacts.

The State Minister also recalled Bhutan's historic recognition of Bangladesh following its independence in 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Discussions also covered ongoing engagements between the two countries, including expansion of bilateral trade and the proposed establishment of a Bhutanese Special Economic Zone in Kurigram.

In a separate meeting with the Nepalese envoy, the State Minister congratulated the government and people of Nepal on the successful conduct of the country's recent parliamentary election.

Both sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including trade, energy cooperation, connectivity, education, tourism, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts, and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.

They also exchanged views on strengthening regional cooperation. The State Minister recalled the vision of former president Ziaur Rahman in establishing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and stressed the importance of revitalising the regional body to enhance collaboration among South Asian countries.

Officials said the meetings reflected Bangladesh's continued emphasis on building stronger partnerships with neighbouring countries and promoting regional cooperation.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com