Dhaka: President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged Vietnam to simplify its visa procedures for Bangladeshi businesspeople, workers, students, and tourists. The President made the call during a farewell courtesy call by Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Nguyen Manh Cuong, at Bangabhaban.
According to United News of Bangladesh, President Fakhrul emphasized the importance of Bangladesh's longstanding friendship with Vietnam, which has spanned over five decades. He argued that simplifying visa procedures would enhance people-to-people contacts and expand opportunities for cooperation and partnership among businesses and investors in both countries. This move is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and tap into their development potential.
During the meeting, the Vietnamese Ambassador highlighted the necessity of establishing direct air connectivity between the capitals of the two nations, implementing a preferential trade agreement, and encouraging high-level visits. He also extended an invitation from the President of Vietnam to President Fakhrul to visit Vietnam, an invitation which the President graciously accepted.
President Fakhrul reminisced about his visit to Vietnam in 2003 as part of the entourage of then Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality he received and hoped that the historical friendship between the peoples of Bangladesh and Vietnam would continue to flourish, strengthening bilateral relations further.
The President also voiced the need for creating opportunities to increase Bangladesh's exports to Vietnam to achieve a balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship. He urged Vietnam to increase imports of Bangladeshi products such as pharmaceuticals, leather and leather goods, ceramics, bicycles, jute, and jute products.
Ambassador Nguyen Manh Cuong congratulated President Mirza Fakhrul on assuming office and was thanked for his successful tenure and contributions to Bangladesh-Vietnam relations. President Fakhrul expressed his hope that the Ambassador would continue to play a role in promoting friendship and cooperation between the two countries after his return to Vietnam.
The President wished the Ambassador good health and prosperity, extending his wishes for continued peace, progress, and prosperity for the people of Vietnam. The meeting was attended by secretaries from the President's Office and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnamese Embassy.