President Md. Sahabuddin emphasized on the joint coordination and initiatives of Bangladesh and Bhutan for regional prosperity and development.
The Head of State said this while paying a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban on Tuesday (March 26) afternoon, King Jigme Khesar Namgel Wangchuck of Bhutan, who is visiting Bangladesh.
He said that the two countries can increase regional cooperation by utilizing the strengths and priorities of their respective countries.
President's press secretary Zainal Abedin briefed the journalists.
Pointing out that the bilateral relations have been positive over time, the President said that currently the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of trade, electricity, connectivity, agriculture, education, cultural exchange, people-to-people communication and tourism is progressing well.
The Head of State also highlighted the potential of Bhutan and Bangladesh for cooperation within regional platforms like SAARC, BIMSTEC, SSEC and BBIN.
King and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan are now in Dhaka on a four-day official visit at the special invitation of Bangladesh President Sahabuddin to celebrate the 54th Independence Day.
The President accepted the invitation and expressed gratitude for the visit of the King of Bhutan to Bangladesh in this historic month of 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.
The valiant freedom fighter President Md. 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.
The King of Bhutan praised the unprecedented development in various sectors including socio-economic 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 in Bangladesh, including ready-made garments, ceramics and medicine. He also expressed interest in increasing bilateral cooperation in various sectors including education, culture, communication and energy.
Bhutan's Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment Namgyal Darjee, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade DN Dhungel and Minister of Health Tandin Wangchuck were present in the meeting.
Foreign Minister on behalf of Bangladesh Hasan Mahmud, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat and related secretaries were present there.
Earlier, when the King and Queen of Bhutan arrived at Bangabhaban at 4:25 PM, President Md. Sahabuddin presented a bouquet of flowers to the King of Bhutan and the President's wife Dr. Rebecca Sultana welcomed Bhutan's Queen Jetsun Pema with another bouquet.
After the meeting with the President, the King of Bhutan signed the visitor's book. Later they attended the Great Independence and National Day celebrations in the field.