Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative in Geneva, concurrently accredited to the Holy See, has highlighted Bangladesh’s steadfast commitment to communal harmony and peaceful coexistence among people of all faiths and communities.

She appreciated the Holy See’s continued advocacy for global peace, actions against climate change and humanitarian causes, including its support for the forcibly displaced Rohingyas, and encouraged continued efforts in promoting peace, justice, and the humane treatment of migrants and vulnerable populations worldwide.

The Ambassador recently presented her Letters of Credence to Pope Leo XIV as the first female Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Holy See at a solemn ceremony held at the Apostolic Palace, Secretariat of State at the Vatican City this week.

The ceremony was conducted with due ceremonial and protocol courtesies extended by the Holy See.

Ambassador Sobhan earlier made history by serving as the ambassador to Jordan, the first female envoy of Bangladesh in the Middle East, said the Bangladesh Mission in Geneva.

M. Jahirul Quayum, Economic Minister, and Sabuj Ahmed, Counsellor of the Mission, accompanied Ambassador Sobhan at the credential presentation ceremony.

The presentation of credentials was followed by an exchange of greetings between Pope Leo XIV and the Ambassador along with her delegation.

Prior to the presentation of credentials, Ambassador Sobhan held meetings with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State; Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations; Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, Substitute of the Secretariat of State; and Monsignor Javier Fernández, Chief of Protocol of the Holy See.

During these meetings, the Ambassador underscored the high importance Bangladesh attaches to its relations with the Holy See.

She recalled the historic visits of Pope Francis to Bangladesh in 2017 and Pope John Paul II in 1986, describing both visits as significant milestones in bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Holy See.

During the bilateral meetings, the Holy See dignitaries expressed their expectation that engagement between Bangladesh and the Holy See would continue to deepen through regular exchanges and visits.

They also commended Bangladesh for its humanitarian support extended to the Rohingya population.

The series of engagements reflected the mutual respect, goodwill, and shared commitment of Bangladesh and the Holy See to further strengthening bilateral relations.