The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said Bangladesh wishes to be a key partner of South Africa in bilateral relations and in international forums.

"Our people have always championed South Africa and seen Nelson Mandela as a hero of our times", the Foreign Adviser said when visiting South African High Commissioner Buyisiwe Maureen Pheto, based in Colombo and accredited to Dhaka, called on him yesterday.

Speaking to the media Dr Iftekhar said, "Bangladesh and South Africa have already been cooperating on micro-finance, women's empowerment and social issues. There are great prospects in collaboration in other areas as well."

During the meeting, it was agreed that a delegation from South Africa would visit Bangladesh to inquire into possibilities of expanding investment and trade relations.

The newly appointed Italian ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr Itala Maria Marta Occhi, also met with the Adviser in his office and discussed the prospects of expanding economic and political relations between the two friendly countries.

"Italy is an important member of the European Union and so Bangladesh places a great significance on cooperation with Italy both bilaterally and as a member of that important regional group," Dr Iftekhar told the ambassador.

He invited Italian investments and hoped that during the tenure of Dr Itala, trade relations will grow.