Murmu, Zardari hails Fakhrul

Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on taking office as the 23rd President of Bangladesh, expressing hope for stronger bilateral ties and greater cooperation between the neighbouring countries.

In a message issued after the oath-taking ceremony at Bangabhaban in the evening, Murmu extended her warm congratulations to Fakhrul on assuming office.

“I am confident that your long experience of public life and political leadership heralds a successful tenure in service of the people of Bangladesh,” she said.

Murmu said India and Bangladesh shared a unique relationship rooted in a shared history of sacrifices, close cultural ties and warm bonds of friendship.

She noted that bilateral ties had expanded in recent times to areas including energy, technology, connectivity, youth affairs, health and education.

 “I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the partnership between our two neighbouring countries,” she said, wishing Fakhrul good health and happiness, as well as success in discharging his responsibilities and continued progress and prosperity for the people of Bangladesh.

President Zardari also congratulated Fakhrul on his election as President and expressed confidence that Bangladesh would continue to progress and advance the well-being of its people under his leadership.
He said Pakistan and Bangladesh enjoyed close bonds rooted in their shared history, faith and cultural ties, and welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral relations.

Zardari expressed hope that cooperation between the two countries would continue to grow in areas of mutual interest and said he looked forward to working with Fakhrul to strengthen bilateral relations and promote greater exchanges and cooperation between the two peoples.

He also invited Fakhrul to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time, saying the visit would provide an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral ties and deepen cooperation.

Zardari conveyed his best wishes to Fakhrul for the successful discharge of his responsibilities and for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh.