The New Nation - Internet Edition

STAFF REPORTER

Despite the long distance between the two friendly Muslim countries, Libya is very much interested to import goods from Bangladesh.

"Libya is ready to import more and more goods from Bangladesh although the distance between the two countries is very long," said Ahmed A.H. Elimam, Ambassador of Libya to Bangladesh, while talking to The New Nation at a reception held at Westin Dhaka Hotel on September 1 last.

"Though Bangladesh and Libya are existed in two separate continents, the existing bilateral relations between the two countries are very excellent. I think these relations can bridge any geographical distance," he said.

The reception was hosted by the Ambassador on the occasion of the 39th anniversary of the Great Al-Fateh Revolution of Libya. It was attended by politicians, senior government officials, diplomats, academics, businessmen and journalists.

However, sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the bilateral trade and investment potentials between Bangladesh and Libya are yet to be explored further. The annual bilateral trade volume worth US$4.5 million now exists between Bangladesh and Libya.

There are ample opportunities in the field of trade and investment between the two countries which still remain unexplored. Libyan business sector can take competitive advantage of doing trading with Bangladesh, especially in the fields of textile, agro-processing, leather products, pharmaceuticals, IT and ceramics.

It is learnt that Bangladesh and Libya are going to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on manpower cooperation between the two countries soon. The MoU is going to be signed in the context of recent withdrawal of a ban by the Libyan government on import of manpower from Bangladesh.

Addressing the reception, Ambassador Elimam said on September 1, 1969 and after 4000 days of some extraordinary tactics and planning, young officers directed by a man of consequences and an original style of thought came in with a bloodless coup as Brother Qhadafi's first declaration says, "There will be no more oppressed people, no more disappointed or deprived people, neither masters nor slaves but free brothers in a society flying the flag of equality…."

This revolution subsequently led to the creation of Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

Since then Muammar Qhadafi was and still is operating quietly with his wisdom and has devoted his life to the salvation from all faces of inhumanity on behalf of all good principles. His being behind the African Union is another dimension to the great Libyan history.

The Ambassador mentioned that his country had celebrated the 24th anniversary of a 4,000-km long man-made river project only a few days ago. This river was a success against ignorance and backwardness.

Ambassador Elimam also said Libyans under the guidance of Colonel Muammar Qhadafi have initiated serious scientific studies. "This strategy aims at achieving the self-sufficiency, increasing the level of education and encouraging the areas of research…."

He said the Great Jamahiriya believes that the difficult task of achieving peace and stability of all nations is a collective responsibility of all nations as a whole. "Libyans say the real relationship is between nations and not governments. This relationship should be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect."