Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nepal and Bhutan through expanded cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity and regional collaboration.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam held separate meetings with the ambassadors of Nepal and Bhutan on Sunday, where they discussed ways to deepen cooperation and enhance longstanding relations with the two South Asian neighbours.
During her meeting with Ghanshyam Bhandari, Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh, the State Minister congratulated the government and people of Nepal on the successful conduct of the country’s recent parliamentary elections.
The two sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including trade and commerce, energy cooperation, connectivity, education, tourism, cultural exchange and people-to-people contacts.
Later, Bhutan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Dasho Karma Hamu Dorjee also called on the State Minister.
They reviewed the overall state of Bangladesh–Bhutan relations and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, connectivity, education and people-to-people exchanges.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meetings also included discussions on strengthening regional cooperation.
The State Minister recalled the vision of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in establishing South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and stressed the importance of revitalising the regional bloc to boost cooperation among South Asian countries.
Both ambassadors congratulated Shama Obaed Islam on assuming office and expressed their governments’ strong interest in working closely with the new government of Bangladesh.
The State Minister highlighted the government’s priority of maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relations with neighbouring countries to promote regional peace and prosperity.
During the discussion with the Bhutanese envoy, she also recalled Bhutan’s historic recognition of Bangladesh in 1971 and appreciated the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
The two sides further discussed ongoing engagements, including efforts to expand bilateral trade and plans to establish a Bhutanese Special Economic Zone in Kurigram.
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