Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said bilateral relations between Bangladesh and France will reach a strategic engagement for the shared prosperity of all.

She said: "I am confident that our bilateral relations can move to strategic engagements for the shared prosperity for all in the Indo-Pacific and beyond." 

The premier said this while at a banquet hosted in honour of French President Emmanuel Macron at the Hotel InterContinental here.

On his arrival at banquet venue, Macron was received by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with a bouquet of flower.

The younger daughter of the Father of the Nation and sister of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, was present at the banquet.

The Prime Minister said they are opening up new areas of cooperation in strategic assets and advanced technologies.

"Our partnership can be a meaningful force to address the multiple crises of wars, climate change and cost-of-living that our world is facing," she said.

The Premier said France has been a trusted development partner of Bangladesh since its independence. "We have developed a robust trade partnership with a focus on responsible business conduct," she continued.

Macron arrived in Dhaka tonight at the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on a bilateral tour to Bangladesh after attending the G-20 Summit in New Delhi, India.

Sheikh Hasina said it is her great pleasure and honour to host the French President at this banquet.

She reminded: "France holds a special place in our hearts and imagination".

"Both our nations are extremely proud of our cuisine, culture and linguistic heritage. It is time to promote further interface and fusion between our two cultures to bring our two peoples closer to each other," she said.

She said her father, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was greatly inspired by the spirit of the French Revolution.

She continued: "We admire you, Mr. President, for the many bold reforms you have undertaken in France. We find you to be a breath of fresh air in international politics".

BDST: 0930 HRS, SEP 11, 2023
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