JAKARTA (INDONESIA): Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, in their meeting in a sideline of Asian-African Conference, have agreed to strengthen and deepen their bilateral trade and investment relations.

They also agreed on a joint trade announcement, which was later signed by officials of the two brotherly countries.

The meeting, which was held after the fourth plenary session of the conference in Jakarta on Thursday, emphasized the extension of cooperation in energy, power, readymade garments, agriculture and agro-products, tourism, education, cultural exchange, science and information technology, maritime boundaries and naval communication sectors.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh premier held a meeting with Palestine PM Dr Rami Hamdalllahar. Her discussion with Nepal prime minister Sushil Koirala was also took place in the day.



Bangladesh foreign secretary Mohammad Shahidul Haque and PM’s press secretary AKM Shamim Chowdhury informed the media regarding the meetings.

They said that all the bilateral meetings were held in a very sincere and cordial environment.

However, Sheikh Hasina invited Indonesia president to Bangladesh and Joko accepted the invitation, they added.

Foreign secretary said that Hasina and Joko placed greater emphasis on working together in fighting terrorism and violence as well.

Moreover, Hasina sought the duty-free access of 129 items of goods to Indonesia market. In response, Joko asked the officials concerned to examine the matter.

Indonesia president also sought Bangladesh support in the country’s candidacy in non-permanent membership election of United Nations Security Council for 2019-2020.



Mentioning the two countries contribution to United Nation peacekeeping missions, the premier said that they can play more effective roles together in missions by improving the capability of peacekeepers.

Foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali, Prime Minster’s Office (PMO) secretary Suraiya Begum, foreign secretary M Shahidul Haque, prime minister’s press secretary AKM Shamim Chowdhury and first Bangladesh ambassador to Indonesia Nazmul Quaunine accompanied the premier at the meeting.

The PM also visited the exhibition of Indonesia traditional attires and crafts at the conference venue.

Earlier, the premier met China president Xi Jinping and Indonesia former president Megawati Sukarnoputri on Wednesday.

Sheikh Hasina also met Qatar deputy prime minister Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Singapore premier Lee Hsien Loong, Myanmar president Thein Sein and Japan PM Shinzō Abe.

She will leave Jakarta for home this afternoon by a special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

** PM co-chairs plenary session

BDST: 1742 HRS, APR 23, 2015
RR/SMS