_: Bangladesh and South Sudan on Monday discussed cooperation in a number of sectors as the two countries are keen to tap the potential for mutual benefits.
A high-level delegation of the government of South Sudan led by Deng Dau Deng, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister of Defense, Secretary, Trade and Industry and other high officials met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at State guesthouse Padma in the evening.
Dr Momen proposed that both sides can conclude agreements in the areas like agriculture, including contract farming, visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports, promotion and protection of investment, cooperation in trade and bilateral consultations between the Foreign Ministries of both the countries.
It was agreed that draft agreements from Bangladesh side would be forwarded to the South Sudanese side for their consideration, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The visit marks the first ever such high-level bilateral visit from South Sudan to Bangladesh.
Dr Momen said the visit is taking place at a very special moment of Bangladesh when the country is celebrating the twin programmes — birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of independence.
Dr Momen suggested that both countries can establish cooperation in sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT and ICT sectors.
He also suggested establishing contract farming by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in South Sudan, including agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture which could be mutually beneficial.
Dr Momen informed that South Sudan can get ships and barges fabricated in Bangladesh through joint collaboration.
The South Sudanese side expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s engagement in South Sudan in infrastructure building and rehabilitation areas apart from participation in peacekeeping in South Sudan.
The South Sudanese delegation particularly underlined the scope of co-operation between two of the countries in health, education, IT and ICT, social development, agriculture, education, climate change and UN peacekeeping areas.
Bangladesh contingents are deployed in the UN peacekeeping Mission in UNMISS in South Sudan.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Sudan mentioned that Bangladesh peacekeepers deployed in peacekeeping missions in South Sudan are playing a valuable role in maintaining peace and security in the area.
Dr Momen proposed that the South Sudanese government may send military officers at the peace training institute of Bangladesh and also at our military academies.
Both sides identified that cooperation can be established in sectors like dredging and river management.
Dr Momen requested the South Sudanese side to extend support for solution to the Rohingya crisis by means of safe and dignified return of the Rohingya population to their homeland.
The South Sudanese Deputy Minister at the end of the meeting handed over the letter of the South Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, addressed to Dr Momen, focusing on enhancing the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and South Sudan.
The visiting delegation also met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam at his office in the afternoon.
Both sides discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest and laid emphasis on identifying the potential avenues of co-operation.
During the meeting, the South Sudanese head of delegation mentioned that the visiting delegation would like to visit several manufacturing industries in Bangladesh.
He underscored the importance of mutual cooperation in bilateral platforms as well as cooperation in the UN.
A dinner party was hosted in honour of the visiting South Sudanese delegation at State Guesthouse Padma.
The South Sudanese delegation will meet the Agriculture Minister, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Secretary, Ministry of Industries during their stay in Bangladesh.
They also have a plan to visit agricultural projects, nursing institutions and few manufacturing industries in Bangladesh.
Source: United news of Bangladesh