The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Ambassador of Austria to Bangladesh Ferdinand Maultaschl yesterday presented his credentials to President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban here.

Welcoming the new Austrian envoy, the President expressed his satisfaction at the existing good bilateral relations between Dhaka and Vienna.

The President said Dhaka and Vienna relation is deeply rooted in the very creation of Bangladesh in 1971 when people of Austria extended their full support to Bangladesh's War of Liberation.

He also recalled the Sailor report prepared by former Austrian Ambassador Dr Erna Sailor immediately after the liberation war, which encouraged inflow of international financial assistance for the reconstruction of the war ravaged economy of Bangladesh.

The President underscored the need for boosting trade and economic relations between the two countries, as there is huge potential for increasing trade between the two countries for mutual benefit.

He also laid emphasis on frequent visit of high-level officials and holding fairs for promotion of trade and strengthening relations further between Dhaka and Vienna.

Professor Iajuddin also attached importance on educational exchange programmes between the two countries and sought the ambassador's cooperation to increase the number of Austrian scholarships for Bangladeshi students.

He also apprised the Austrian envoy of prevailing religious harmony in the country.

The President also briefed the ambassador about the present government's initiatives to maintain law and order to establish rule of law, curb corruption and hold next general elections by December this year.

The Austrian Ambassador praised Bangladesh's skill in disaster management and the Bangladeshi people for its courage to face successfully the natural disaster including cyclone Sidr.