South African Foreign Minister Dr Naledi M. Pandor has praised the remarkable socio-economic development of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
She said South Africa and Bangladesh are working closely in bilateral and multilateral platforms and South Africa highly values the bonds of cooperation that exist between Bangladesh and South Africa.
Dr Momen had a bilateral meeting with his South African counterpart on Tuesday at her office in Pretoria and discussed ways of strengthening cooperation.
A Joint Communiqué was signed expressing the intention of both sides to further develop the bilateral relations including trade and economic cooperation.
The South African Minister referred to the historic visit of Nelson Mandela in Bangladesh in 1997 during the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh.
She expressed satisfaction that the two countries have already signed some important agreements and a good number of agreements are under discussion now.
Pandor underlined the importance of arranging regular Senior Official meetings between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen has requested the South African side to consider opening a resident Mission of South Africa in Dhaka.
He reiterated the desire of Bangladesh government to work closely with South Africa and further strengthen the relations.
Pandor assured that the South African government may initially establish a diplomatic representation of South Africa in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh delegation comprised Foreign Ministry officials and the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to South Africa and High Commission official.
The South African delegation comprised the Advisor to the Foreign Minister, Deputy Director General of Asia Department, Director of South and Central Asia, Director (IORA) and Deputy Director of South Asia Department and others.
The two Foreign Ministers had a tete e tete meeting before the commencement of official bilateral meeting.
The South African Foreign Minister praised the democratic government of Bangladesh.
She felicitated the celebration of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as well as the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh.
The South African Foreign Minister mentioned that both countries have a lot of potentials for cooperation in trade, investments and technical exchanges.
She hailed the success of Bangladesh in women empowerment and social safety net areas and lauded the success of Bangladesh in poverty eradication, food security and micro entrepreneurship areas.
Pandor praised the outstanding role of Bangladesh Peacekeepers in the UN Missions, including that in Africa.
She reiterated the intention of the South African government to continue cooperation under the framework of IORA.
The Foreign Minister mentioned that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is following the principles and ideals that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman that he outlined for the nation.
He mentioned that owing to its outstanding socio-economic development, Bangladesh is considered to be a model of economic development.
During the meeting, the Foreign Minister suggested that South African investors may invest in Bangladesh.
He stated that both countries can share exchange of knowledge in ICT areas among others.
The Foreign Minister also suggested that joint collaboration may be established in readymade garments and pharmaceuticals sectors.
He proposed to the South African Foreign Minister for establishment of a Centre on agricultural cooperation between Bangladesh and South Africa, which may be named as Bangabandhu-Mandela Centre on Agriculture Cooperation and be based in South Africa.
The Foreign Minister suggested that both countries may continue cooperating in IORA, Blue Economy and Climate Cchange areas.
The two Foreign Ministers also reflected upon the important regional issues.
During the bilateral meeting, both sides focused on the issues of mutual interest and Agreements under discussion.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister invited Naledi Pandor, the South African Foreign Minister to visit Bangladesh.
Source: United News of Bangladesh