DHAKA: Bangladesh high commissioner to Sri Lanka Tarik Ahsan paid a courtesy call on Sri Lankan fisheries and aquatic resources development minister Mahinda Amraweera in Colombo on 20 May.

Sri Lankan government’s official news portal News.lk reported on Saturday.

During the meeting, the Bangladesh high commissioner sought the support of the minister in advancing the cooperation between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the fishing sector.

Tarik also highlighted the policy of Bangladesh government that encourages the involvement of private sector in tapping opportunities that have been created for Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal following the amicable settlement of maritime boundary with Bangladesh’s neighboring countries.

Addressing the issues, the Sri Lankan minister assured assistance in carrying forward cooperation between the two south Asian countries in production, management and protection of acuatic resources in the respective territories.

The meet focused on implementation and possible review of the existing Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Fisheries between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka towards energizing cooperation particularly in the areas of deep sea fishing, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, fish stock assessment, oceanography and human resources development in this sector.

A two-member business delegation from Bangladesh comprising Sarwar Hussain and Azizus Samad Azad Dawn accompanied the high commissioner there. Secretary to the Sri Lankan ministry Nimal Hettiarachchi was also present during the call.

The delegation, however, showed their keen interest in collaborating with Sri Lankan counterparts in the areas of deep sea fishing.

BDST: 1353 HRS, MAY 23, 2015
HB/RR/SMS