Newly appointed Afghanistan’s ambassador in Dhaka Abdul Qayoom Malikzad on Wednesday requested Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to reopen Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission in Kabul saying that Afghanistan is keen to promote trade and business relations with Bangladesh.
He made the request while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganobhaban in the city.PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
The Afghan ambassador said Afghanistan has a long history and close relations with Bangladesh and Afghanistan was one of the first countries to recognize Bangladesh.
He also stressed strengthening the ties with chambers of commerce of the two countries.
He said they are keen to import pharmaceuticals items from Bangladesh as it produces good quality medicine.
Welcoming the new Afghan envoy to Bangladesh, the Prime Minister put emphasis on strengthening trade relations between Dhaka and Kabul. Bangladesh gives value its relation with neighbours, she said.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh imports huge dry food items from Afghanistan and Afghanistan can import high quality medicines from Bangladesh.
The Afghan envoy appreciated Bangladesh’s graduation from the group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
He also congratulated Sheikh Hasina for her party’s victory in the last general election.
In reply, Sheikh Hasina said people voted for Awami League as they get benefitted when Awami League comes to power. Sheikh Hasina said her government’s commitment is to make Bangladesh a poverty- and hunger-free country and fulfill the basic needs of people as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The Prime Minister focused on her government’s social safety net programmes for marginalised people saying that the government is providing incentives for promotion of education of poor families, and for distressed people particularly women.
The Afghan ambassador informed the Prime Minister that the two countries are waiting for signing of five memorandums of understanding (MoU).Abdul Qayoom Malikzad informed the Prime Minister that democracy in his country is progressing.