Dhaka: Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi on Thursday paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban. During the meeting, he emphasized the importance Bangladesh places on its longstanding, friendly relations with Iran, which are rooted in deep historical, cultural, and people-to-people connections.
According to United News of Bangladesh, President Mirza Fakhrul highlighted the significant influence of Persian poets and thinkers such as Ferdowsi, Sheikh Saadi, Hafez, and Jalaluddin Rumi on the culture and thoughts of the region's people. He also referred to the affection for the Iranian people reflected in the works of Bangladesh's National Poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Expressing concern over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the President noted the severe energy crisis affecting import-dependent countries like Bangladesh. He reiterated Bangladesh's stance that disputes should be resolved through dialogue, understanding, and diplomatic efforts.
The President expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in Iran due to the Middle East conflict and condemned Israeli attacks on Iranian territory, highlighting the violation of Iran's sovereignty and international law. He also emphasized the necessity of unity among the Muslim Ummah for global peace and stability.
In a gesture of goodwill, the Iranian ambassador delivered a congratulatory letter from the Iranian President to Mirza Fakhrul, congratulating him on his election as President of Bangladesh. He lauded Bangladesh's efforts to ease Middle East tensions and appreciated the participation of Bangladesh's Jatiya Sangsad Speaker in the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Jalil Rahimi expressed hope for strengthened bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Iran across various fields. The President assured the ambassador of full cooperation in his duties and hoped his tenure would significantly contribute to reinforcing Bangladesh-Iran relations.
Secretaries of the President's Office and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Iranian Embassy attended the meeting.