Dhaka: Recalling the vision of late President Ziaur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Wednesday requested Bhutan's support for the revitalisation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) for the collective benefit of the region and its people. He highlighted Bangladesh's eagerness to contribute to the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) in Bhutan, particularly through the provision of professionals, skilled, and semi-skilled human resources.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the discussions occurred during a meeting between the State Minister and the Ambassador of Bhutan to Bangladesh, Karma Hamu Dorjee, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting also touched upon several bilateral issues of mutual interest, underscoring the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
SAARC, established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on December 8, 1985, comprises eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Secretariat of the Association was set up in Kathmandu on January 17, 1987, to facilitate cooperation among member states.
The Bhutanese Ambassador extended her congratulations to the State Minister on his appointment and expressed deep appreciation for the warm welcome extended to the King of Bhutan by the President of Bangladesh during the King's brief stopover at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, on August 26, 2026. She also conveyed her gratitude for the support provided by the Foreign Ministry in discharging her diplomatic responsibilities.