Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Anne van Leeuwen on Wednesday paid a farewell call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban.

President's press secretary Md Joynal Abedin told UNB after call on.

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During the meeting, the outgoing ambassador expressed his gratitude to the president for providing full cooperation in fulfilling his tenure in Bangladesh.

The president said the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Netherlands, including trade and investment ties, are very excellent.

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The Netherlands is one of the first northwestern European countries which recognised Bangladesh. He said the country has been playing a positive role in the development of various sectors in Bangladesh since the country's independence in 1971

Since then, he said, the two countries have been enjoying an excellent bilateral relationship and the ties have gradually increased.

Mentining the Netherlands as a development partner of Bangladesh, he put emphasis on mutual visit-exchange between the two countries' dignitaries aiming at enhancing trade and investment.

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The president said trade and investment between the two countries will expand with the development of bilateral relations while the existing relationship will reach a new height in the future.

President Shahabuddin thanked the outgoing envoy for completing his assignments successfully.

President's Office Secretary Sampad Barua, Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin and Secretary (attachment) Md Wahidul Islam Khan were present there.