DHAKA: A joint statement, released on Monday on the occasion of the visit of Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay to Bangladesh, highlighted the progress in bilateral relations as also to infuse further impetus towards deepening and strengthening the relations between the two neighboring countries.

The statement said that at the invitation of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Bhutan premier Tshering Tobgay paid a three-day official visit to the country from December 6.

The Bhutan PM was accompanied by foreign affairs minister Rinzin Dorje, economic affairs minister Norbu Wangchuk and other senior officials.

There was also a high level business delegation from Bhutan.

According to the statement, Bhutan premier paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh president Abdul Hamid during the visit.

Tobgay laid a floral wreath at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar as a mark of respect to the memory and contribution of the valiant freedom fighters of Bangladesh.

He also paid tribute and respect to the memory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in city.

The official talks between Bangladesh and Bhutan, on December 6, was held in an atmosphere of great warmth and cordiality reflecting the excellent bilateral relations and age-old friendship between the two countries.

The two Prime Ministers led their respective sides. Bangladesh PM hosted a banquet in honour of visiting Bhutan premier and the accompanying delegation.

Bangladesh foreign minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, MP, finance minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, commerce minister Tofail Ahmed, opposition leader Raushan Ershad, PM’s adviser on international affairs Professor Dr Gowher Rizvi, and some other dignitaries also paid courtesy calls on Bhutan Prime Minister.

During the official talks, Sheikh Hasina recalled with gratitude Bhutan’s invaluable supporting role to the War of Liberation of Bangladesh.

She also recalled that Bhutan was the first country to recognize Bangladesh on December 6 in 1971.

The Bhutanese Prime Minister handed over to the Bangladesh Prime Minister a text of the wireless message that was sent on December 6 in 1971 by the Third King of Bhutan to the then Acting President of Bangladesh conveying recognition of Bangladesh by Bhutan as a sovereign independent country.

The two Prime Ministers agreed that this visit by the Bhutan PM gave the two sides an opportunity to take stock of the progress in bilateral relations as also to infuse further impetus towards deepening and strengthening the relations between the two countries.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the excellent Bangladesh-Bhutan relations which have particularly blossomed over the past six years.

They discussed ways and means to further intensify their mutually beneficial cooperation in several sectors, including hydro-power, water resources management, trade and commerce, connectivity, climate change, tourism, culture, education, agriculture, health and human resources development.

They noted with satisfaction the institutionalization of regular meetings at the foreign secretary and commerce secretary levels, which provide the opportunity to further promote the friendly bilateral relations.

Tobgay recalled the inspiring leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Bhutan PM lauded Bangladesh’s tremendous socio-economic advancements during the tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Bhutanese Prime Minister also expressed his admiration for the able leadership of Sheikh Hasina in forging dynamism into the relations between the two countries and among the countries of the region as also for her contribution towards advancement of global peace.

Referring to the huge hydro-power potential of Bhutan, Bangladesh Prime Minister reiterated interest to obtain hydro-power from Bhutan to Bangladesh and requested for Bangladesh’s partnership in Bhutan’s future power projects.

The Bhutanese Prime Minister agreed to work together with Bangladesh in this sector, the statement added.

Moreover, recognizing the utmost importance of enhancing regional connectivity, both sides agreed to jointly work towards that end both bilaterally and sub-regionally.

The Bangladesh side agreed to consider Bhutan’s request for sharing internet redundancy.

Both sides agreed to work together to enhance collaboration in Water Resources Management and Power/Hydro-power and Connectivity in the sub-regional context.

Emphasizing the need for enhancing trade relations for mutual benefit and recognizing the huge potential it holds in bringing prosperity, the two sides agreed to diversify bilateral trade and take further trade facilitations measures for deeper market access.

Bangladesh side offered to export more products such as ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, jute and jute goods, agricultural produce to Bhutan. Bhutanese side agreed to look into it.

Recognizing Bangladesh’s lead role in developing global awareness and international partnership on Autism and other neuro-developmental disorders, the two sides agreed to work together to contribute to the process regionally and internationally.

Both sides also agreed to actively engage in the work of the Southeast Asian Autism Network (SAAN) and the formulation of a multifaceted Global Action Plan on Autism.

The Bhutanese Prime Minister appreciated the personal commitment and leadership of the Bangladesh Prime Minister and Saima Hossain, Member of WHO’s Expert Advisory Panel on Mental Health in promoting the rights and well-being of persons affected by Autism. 

Both sides put emphasis on having a Cultural Exchange Programme to further strengthen the common and unique cultural linkages that date back to history.

Recognizing the huge potential of tourism, the two sides agreed to further increase cooperation in this sector.

To enhance cooperation in agriculture, the two sides stressed on early commencement of work by the Joint Technical Committee formed in this regard.

It was also agreed to enhance collaboration in other sectors namely, education, health and human resources development.

Referring to the 18th SAARC Summit, the two leaders exchanged views on various issues under SAARC and reiterated their commitment to strengthen the SAARC process.

The two sides also exchanged views on cooperation in other regional and international fora including UN and BIMSTEC and noted the commonality of their views and positions on all major issues and agreed to continue to work together for mutual benefit.

Expressing concern about the adverse impacts of climate change on the two countries, both the sides put emphasis on securing climate justice and equity based on the principles of UNFCCC; balanced allocation between adaptation and mitigation; clear provision of new, adequate and predictable financing; and enhanced technology development and transfer. 

As a token of friendship, the Government of Bangladesh provided a piece of land for the Royal Bhutanese Embassy at Baridhara in Dhaka, as a gift to Bhutan and its people.

Following the official talks, two agreements were signed between Bangladesh and Bhutan on December 6, one on the bilateral Trade Agreement and its Protocol that was renewed for ten years and the other is on agreement on allotment of land to Bhutan for construction of its Embassy Premises at Baridhara diplomatic enclave in Dhaka.

During his stay, the Prime Minister of Bhutan visited a pharmaceutical company and the National Museum.

The Prime Minister of Bhutan expressed his deep appreciation for the cordial welcome and warm hospitality extended to him and the members of his delegation during his stay in Bangladesh. 

Tobgay, on behalf of the King of Bhutan and on his own behalf, extended invitations to Bangladesh President and Prime Minister to visit Bhutan.

The invitations were accepted and it was agreed that the dates of the visits would be finalized in due course, the statement concluded.

BDST: 2114 HRS, DEC 08, 2014