Foreign Minister Sharma calls on Bangladeshi PM Rahman

Kathmandu, Feb 18: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bala Nanda Sharma, called on the newly elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, on Tuesday evening.

He extended warm felicitations and handed over a congratulatory message from Prime Minister of Nepal, Sushila Karki. 

In her message, PM Karki, congratulated Bangladeshi Prime Minister Rahman on his election and expressed her willingness to work together in a spirit of mutual respect, shared commitment and partnership to ensure that Nepal-Bangladesh ties continue to flourish for the mutual benefit of the two countries and people. 

 The Foreign Minister also congratulated Rahman on leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to a resounding victory in the national elections held on February 12 and commended the Government of Bangladesh for the successful conduct of elections and smooth transition to the democratic process. 

On the occasion, Prime Minister Rahman thanked Foreign Minister Sharma for attending the oath-taking ceremony and underscored that his visit reflects the solidarity and goodwill of the government and people of Nepal towards the government and people of Bangladesh.

 The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the enduring partnership between Nepal and Bangladesh and held a constructive exchange on advancing bilateral cooperation across areas of trade, investment, energy, connectivity, education, and tourism, among others, according to Nepali Embassy in Bangladesh.

Rahman also expressed his best wishes for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Nepal. 

 Prior to the meeting, the Foreign Minister attended the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected Prime Minister and Members of the Council of Ministers of the Government of Bangladesh. President of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin, administered them the oath of office at a special ceremony held at the National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad) campus.  

Foreign Minister Sharma also held a meeting with the leader of the opposition and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Shafiqur Rahman. During the meeting, the two leaders deliberated on key areas of bilateral cooperation. Foreign Minister Sharma is currently on a visit to Bangladesh from February 16 to 19. (RSS)