The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Colombo

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed on Friday stressed on increasing people-to-people connectivity and cementing further relations between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka through expansion of trade and business.

The Chief Adviser said, Bangladesh attaches utmost importance on the relations with Sri Lanka as it is deep rooted due to the common culture and heritage of both the countries. Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said this at a bilateral talk with President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa at the President's Secretariat here.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury,Principal Secretary Ali Imam Majumder, Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim and Foreign Secretary Touhid Hosain were present on the occasion.

Over the meeting, Press Secretary Fahim told newsmen that the Chief Adviser also mentioned the existing excellent bilateral relations with Sri Lanka. He said, Dhaka-Colombo relations goes way back many centuries.

Referring to expansion of bilateral business between the two countries, Fahim quoted Dr Fakhruddin saying Sri Lanka can import more Bangladesh's world class pharmaceuticals and jute products. In these connections, the Chief Adviser emphasised on establishing river link between the two countries along with air link to boost trade.

The Chief Adviser also requested the Sri Lankan President to ratify shipping agreement for further expansion of bilateral trade and business.

Dr Fakhruddin thanked the Sri Lanka President for excellent arrangement in holding the 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo from tomorrow.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda called upon Dr Fakhruddin to revive Joint Economic Commission between the two countries for the mutual benefit.

The Chief Adviser apprised the President that Bangladesh is heading towards elections and the Election Commission is completing all necessary formalities to this end. It (EC) has done a great thing by completing a huge voter registration within less than one year, Dr Fakhruddin added.

The Sri Lankan President appreciated the government led by the Chief Adviser for its endeavors towards holding a meaningful election for successful transition to democracy.

The Chief Adviser invited the Sri Lankan President to visit Bangladesh.