Photo: Collected
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday (11 March) expressed his keen interest in expanding trade and commerce with Sri Lanka.
He made the remarks while Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Dhaka Dharmapala Weerakkody paid a courtesy call on him at the foreign ministry here, a press release said.
During the meeting, they discussed matters of mutual interest.
Mahmud expressed his satisfaction with the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
He thanked the high commissioner for congratulating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from the Head of the State and the Head of the Government of Sri Lanka, following the victory in the 12th National Parliamentary elections.
The foreign minister also expressed happiness over Sri Lanka's economic recovery.
He added that Bangladesh always stands by Sri Lanka during its crisis time.
Mahmud emphasized realizing the full potential of the two countries in strengthening the relations for the betterment of the peoples of the two countries.
He mentioned that both countries may also further intensify the bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, agriculture, fisheries, ICT and hospitality sector, shipping and maritime connectivity, and people-to-people contact.
Mahmud added that bilateral trade may be expanded by exporting high-quality pharmaceuticals and garments to Sri Lanka.
He also requested more Sri Lankan investment in Economic Zones.
The foreign minister underlined the early conclusion of bilateral instruments including the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
High Commissioner Weerakkody informed the Foreign Minister on the prevailing economic situation in Sri Lanka and highlighted that Sri Lanka is now in an economic recovery phase with the support of its friendly countries like Bangladesh.
He mentioned that both countries could work together to further expand the sectoral cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The foreign minister sought support from Sri Lanka in early repatriation of Rohingyas. He also emphasized that Bangladesh and Sri Lanka can work together for extensive and substantial cooperation in regional bodies like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and IORA.
The foreign minister wished the high commissioner a successful tenure in Bangladesh and assured him of all our support.
Messenger/Sumon
