President Md. Shahabuddin has emphasized the importance of joint coordination and initiatives between Bangladesh and Bhutan for regional prosperity and development.
King Jigme Khesar Namgel Wangchuck of Bhutan, who is visiting Bangladesh, said this while paying a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban on Tuesday (March 26) afternoon.
He said that the two countries can increase regional cooperation by utilizing the potential and priorities of their respective countries.
Pointing out that the bilateral relations are developing positively with time, the President said that currently the cooperation between the two countries is progressing well in the fields of trade, electricity, connectivity, agriculture, education, cultural exchange, people-to-people communication and tourism.
The Head of State also highlighted the potential of Bhutan and Bangladesh in cooperation through regional platforms like SAARC, BIMSTEC, SSEC and BBIN.
King Jigme Khesar Namgel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan are now in Dhaka on a four-day official visit at the special invitation of the President of Bangladesh to celebrate the 54th Independence Day.
Accepting the invitation, the President expressed his gratitude to the King of Bhutan for his historic visit to Bangladesh in March.
Mentioning the deep and historical bond of friendship between Bangladesh and Bhutan, the Head of State expressed the hope that the two governments will work together to fulfill the aspirations of the people, for the common history, geographical proximity, prosperity and development of the two countries.
President Sahabuddin recalled Bhutan’s role as the first country to recognize Bangladesh as an independent state on December 6, 1971 and said with gratitude that the people of Bangladesh are grateful to Bhutan.
King Jigme Khesar Namgel Wangchuck of Bhutan praised the unprecedented development of Bangladesh in various social sectors including education, women empowerment and culture under the charismatic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He referred to the recently held elections in his country and highlighted various aspects of the practice and development of democracy.
The King of Bhutan praised the quality of various products produced by Bangladesh, including ready-made garments, ceramics and medicine, and expressed optimism for increased trade and investment between the two countries.
He also expressed interest in increasing bilateral cooperation in various sectors including education, culture, communication and energy. The meeting was represented by Bhutan’s Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment Namgyal Darjee, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade DN Dhungel and Minister of Health Tandin Wangchuck among others.
Foreign Minister on behalf of Bangladesh. Hasan Mahmud, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Muhammad Ali Arafat and related secretaries were present there.
Earlier, when the King and Queen of Bhutan arrived at Bangabhaban at 4:25 PM, President Sahabuddin greeted the King of Bhutan with flowers and the President’s wife Dr. Rebecca Sultana welcomes Bhutan’s Queen Jetsun Pema with another bouquet of flowers.
After the meeting with the President, the King of Bhutan signed the visit book. Later the guests enjoyed the great Independence and National Day program at the grounds.
