Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said her recent visits to Switzerland and Qatar will further accelerate Bangladesh's multi-dimensional relations with not only these two countries, but some other friendly countries also.

The prime minister read out a written statement prior to taking questions during a press conference in Ganabhaban, organised to brief the press on her three-day official visit to Qatar from May 23-25, and four day official visit to Switzerland from June 13-16.

Sheikh Hasina visited Switzerland to attend the "World of Work Summit: Social Justice for All" held in Geneva, and prior to that Qatar to attend mainly the “3rd Qatar Economic Forum: A New Global Growth Story” held in Doha.

During her Switzerland visit, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR chief Flippo Grandi called on the Prime Minister at her place of residence at Geneva on June 14.

On that day, Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset at Palais de Nations.

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A Memorandum of Understanding on Knowledge and Skills enhancement between Bangladesh and Switzerland was signed there in presence of the two leaders, she added.

The same day, the Prime Minister delivered her address at the Plenary of “World of Work Summit 2023” at the Palais de Nations.

Sheikh Hasina said that by participating in the 'World of Work Summit: Social Justice for All' summit, the various steps taken in the reform of the labor sector under the leadership of her government have been highlighted to the people of the world.

At the same time, the Prime Minister informed the international community about the various preparations and activities undertaken to build 'Smart Bangladesh' through the implementation of her government's Vision 2041.

Sheikh Hasina also separately held meetings with President of Malta Dr. George Vella and South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa while ILO Director General Gilbert F Houngbo called on her at the same venue.

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In the evening, the Prime Minister attended a dinner with high level dignitaries hosted by the ILO DG at its headquarters.

On June 15, Sheikh Hasina addressed an event on “New Economy and Society in Smart Bangladesh” organised by the World Economic Forum-WEF.

Besides, she also had a meeting with founder of WEF Prof Klaus Schwab at WEF Office.

In the evening, WTO Director General Dr Okonjo-Iweala called on her at the place of residence. She also attended a community reception the same evening.

Sheikh Hasina said that she left Geneva for Dhaka on the morning of June 16 and exchanged greetings with fellow passengers on the Bangladesh Biman flight.

The Prime Minister said during her Qatar visit,she along with other heads of states and the governments joined the opening session of the three day long Qatar Economic Forum.

She also joined a Gala Dinner hosted in honour of the heads of states and governments attending the conference,she added.

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Sheikh Hasina delivered a speech at a high level session of the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum, and attended a view exchange session.

In her speech, the Prime Minister showed that the country's progress in various fields including economic development, poverty alleviation, education and knowledge-based society formation and women's empowerment in the past fourteen and a half years.

On the same day, the Prime Minister went to Emiri Dewan and held meetings with Emir of Qatar Shaikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani

Besides, she also held meetings with Prime Minister of Qatar Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman bin Jessim Al Thani and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame in Doha at the bilateral meeting at Raffles Tower.

Sheikh Hasina went to Qatar University in Doha and delivered a speech before the students.

Apart from these, Qatari Minister of State Saad Bin Sherida Al-Kaabi called on the Prime Minister at her place of residence while Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid A Al-Falih is also held talks with her at the same venue.

Her sideline meetings were felt to be key to a subsequent deal signed between Bangladesh and Qatar to procure more LNG from RasGas, the Qatari state-owned LNG supplier.

Before leaving Doha for Dhaka, Sheikh Hasina visited Awsaj Academy.