Outgoing ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Anne van Leeuwen today paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Bangabhaban here today.
“During the meeting, the outgoing ambassador of the Netherlands expressed his gratitude to the President for providing full cooperation in fulfilling his assignments in Bangladesh,” President’s press secretary Md Joynal Abedin told BSS after the meeting.
President Shahabuddin said the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Netherlands, including trade and investment ties, are very good.
The Netherlands, one of the first northwestern European countries, has been playing a positive role in the development of various sectors in Bangladesh since the country’s independence in 1971, the President mentioned.
Since then, he said, the two countries have been enjoying an excellent bilateral relationship and the ties have gradually increased.
“The Netherlands has already become a development partner of Bangladesh,” the Head of State noted.
He put emphasis on mutual visit-exchange between the two countries’ dignitaries aiming at enhancing trade and investment.
With the development of bilateral relations, trade and investment between the two countries will expand and the existing relationship will reach a new height in the days to come, the President hoped.
President Shahabuddin thanked the outgoing envoy for completing his assignments here in a successful manner.
Earlier, Bangladesh ambassador to Ethiopia Shikder Badiruzzaman paid a courtesy call on the President at the Bangabhaban.
During the meeting, the new ambassador sought the President’s cooperation and guidance in fulfilling his duties.
President Shahabuddin directed the new ambassador to work for the development of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Ethiopia by increasing trade and investment.
Noting that the economic diplomacy is very important in the current context, the President said in addition to developing bilateral ties with Africa, the Bangladesh Embassy there can play an important role in expanding trade and investment.
He said there are many potential areas between Bangladesh and Ethiopia and if these are properly utilized, Bangladesh would benefit economically.
President’s Office Secretary Sampad Barua, Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin and Secretary (attachment) Md Wahidul Islam Khan were present there.
