(UDHAYAM, DHAKA) – President Maithripala Sirisena and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leaders pledged to carry forward the long-standing bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on a solid foundation.
Both leaders emphasised this when visiting Sri Lankan President met with the Bangladesh Prime Minister, on Friday (14) in Dhaka.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina warmly received the President when he arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office. After a cordial meeting between the leaders, the bilateral discussions were held.
The President and the Bangladesh Prime Minister drew their special attention regarding entering into a trade agreement between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as well as setting up special economic zones.
During the meeting, it was discussed in detail regarding introducing a new programme to exchange experiences in Agricultural and Fisheries Sectors of both the countries as well as to jointly take actions against combating terrorism and to cooperate in the field of Information Technology (IT).
Furthermore, the attention was drawn to get the technical knowhow of Bangladesh to increase rice production in Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh Prime Minister expressed her pleasure over the visit of Sri Lankan President to Bangladesh and commended the freedom and democracy ensured in the Sri Lankan society under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena.
The Bangladesh Prime Minister further emphasised that the bilateral ties between the two countries must carry forward in a firm manner and Bangladesh is willing to work helpfully with Sri Lanka in the field of economy as well as to foster regional cooperation.
Bangladesh Prime Minister also pointed out the importance of working jointly to find solutions for the common issues faced by the two countries, like drug trafficking and illegal immigrants.
The President, who mentioned about the investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, stated that the Government is ready to provide every required facility for the Bangladeshi investors.
He invited the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for a State visit to Sri Lanka. The Bangladeshi Premier, who accepted the invitation, said her visit will help continue the relationships between the two countries.
Twelve agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were signed in the presence the two leaders.
Following are the agreements signed:
- MoU on Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake and Minister of Industries, Bangladesh.
- MoU between Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Bank of Cooperation in Financial Sector/Services – Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake and Minister of Commerce, Bangladesh
- MoU on Cooperation in Agriculture – State Minister of Agriculture Vasantha Aluvihare and Minister of Agriculture, Bangladesh
- MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – Deputy Minister of Finance and Mass Media Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Minister of Information Technology, Bangladesh
- MoU on Radio and Television Development – Deputy Minister of Finance and Mass Media Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Minister of Information Technology, Bangladesh
- MoU on the Cooperation in the Field of Shipping – Deputy Minister of Ports and Shipping Affairs Nishantha Muthuhettigama and Minister of Shipping Affairs, Bangladesh
- MoU between Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy (FSA) and Bandaranaike Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI), Sri Lanka – Foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
- MoU on Visa Waiver for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka – Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Bangladesh
- MoU between Sri Lanka Institute of Textile Authority and Bangladesh Fashion Design Institute