The newly appointed High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka, Tareq Md Ariful Islam has presented his credentials to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House in a formal ceremony.
Following the presentation of credentials, the High Commissioner had a meeting with the President where they discussed ways and means to further deepen the bilateral relations between the two countries. High Commissioner Tareq conveyed to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa the greetings and personal regards of the President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He also conveyed to him the invitation of the President and the Prime Minister to visit Bangladesh.
High Commissioner Tareq appreciated President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for leading the country to greater socio-economic developments as well as for effectively dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Referring to the excellent bilateral relations existing between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and the multitude of commonalities, the High Commissioner expressed his commitment to work for further strengthening the ties between the two countries. He solicited the support of the host government in this regard.
High Commissioner Tareq shared with the President the tremendous socio-economic developments that Bangladesh has achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He also discussed about the issues of enhancing bilateral trade, concluding bilateral FTA, enhancing shipping connectivity, signing of coastal shipping agreement, investment promotion, cooperation in pharmaceutical sectors, etc. Felicitating the High Commissioner for assuming his responsibility, President Rajapaksa reciprocated the greetings to Bangladesh President and Prime Minister and thanked them for the invitation extended to him. He shared his country’s experience in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and spoke about increasing cooperation between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka particularly in the areas of agriculture, agro-based products, regional tourism, investment promotion, ICT, high tech industry and education.
Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunawardene, Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, and Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage were present at the ceremony.
(FT)