DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Iran Khandoker Abdus Sattar on Saturday said Iran and Bangladesh should expand economic ties as well as political ones.

He also said that Iran-Bangladesh relations are not satisfactory and efforts should be made to bolster them.

He expressed satisfaction over the two countries’ political ties, saying, “Political relations with Iran date back to a long time.”

Referring to Iran’s successful hosting of the 16th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, he said, “On the sidelines of the conference, in a ceremony where the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasin was received by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, both sides emphasized strengthening of relations.”

Since many Iranian traders travel to Bangladesh annually, the Bangladeshi government plans to boost mutual trade.

The ambassador said his first trip to Astara in Gilan province was satisfactory.

Abdus Sattar added that the city reminded him of his own country, which has the same natural views and nice weather.

Earlier in May, Mehdi Ghazanfari, former industries, mines and trade minister, said trade between Iran and Bangladesh annually reaches $100 million, which can be increased to $500 million within five years.

Speaking in the meeting of Iran-Bangladesh Economic Commission held in Dhaka, Ghazanfari hoped that the commission will help develop bilateral commercial and economic cooperation.

Bangladesh’s Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith said Iranians are well-recognized in Bangladesh, adding that his country is interested in developing economic and commercial ties with Iran.

Source: iccim.ir
BDST: 0849 HRS, OCT 14, 2013
SR/BSK