The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed on Tuesday stressed the need for finalisation of the country's maritime with Myanmar in the interest of two neighbouring states.

The president made the assertion while the newly appointed Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh U Phae Thann Oo presented his credentials to him at Bangabhaban.

Welcoming the new envoy to the Bangabhaban, the President said, "I hope Myanmar will understand Bangladesh's position on maritime issues."

He expressed satisfaction over the existing excellent bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries and said Myanmar is a dependable trade and development partner of Bangladesh.

The President said there is a scope for further expanding the trade relations between the two countries. "Myanmar would be benefited from increasing import of pharmaceuticals and other products including melamine, leather and jute goods from Bangladesh at a very competitive price," he added.

Prof Iajuddin emphasized holding of single country trade fairs in both the countries for further augmenting the trade volume.

He underlined the need for exchanging high-powered delegations from both the sides to strengthen the bilateral relations and solve minor problems.

Prof. Iajuddin hoped that the long-standing issue of Rohyinga refugees would be solved through bilateral negotiations.

"I am happy to know that Myanmar's Vice Senior General Mong Aye is expected to visit Bangladesh in October next," he said.

He also mentioned that the recent agreement on direct road link between Bangladesh and Myanmar and it would further strengthen the bilateral relations through increasing trade and people to people interactions.

The President hoped that the relations between the two countries would reach a new height of excellence during the tenure of the envoy in Bangladesh.

The envoy expressed his gratitude to Bangladesh for supporting Myanmar in securing the status of an observer in the SAARC.

Phae Thann also thanked Bangladesh for providing relief materials and medical support to overcome the aftermath of cyclone 'Nargis' in his country.

He also widely appreciated Bangladesh's success in preparing voter identity card with photographs.