President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed Bangladesh’s interest in working with Bhutan on transformative initiatives aimed at promoting mutual welfare, prosperity and sustainable development in the region.
He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the VVIP lounge of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport during the King’s brief stopover in Dhaka.
The two sides discussed various issues of mutual interest and expressed interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas including education, trade and investment.
President Mirza Fakhrul invited the Bhutanese King and members of the royal family to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. In response, the King invited the President and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Bhutan.
The Bhutanese King congratulated Mirza Fakhrul on assuming the presidency, while the President conveyed greetings to the King and the Bhutanese royal family.
Recalling the historic ties between the two countries, Mirza Fakhrul said Bhutan holds a special place in Bangladesh’s history as the first country in the world to recognise Bangladesh on December 6, 1971.
The King also briefed the President on the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project and sought Bangladesh’s participation and cooperation. Expressing interest in the initiative, Mirza Fakhrul assured him of Bangladesh’s support for advancing the project for mutual benefit and sustainable development.
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Bhutan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh and senior Bangladeshi officials were present at the meeting.
