Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has put emphasis on increasing cooperation with Bangladesh, particularly in the areas of agriculture, agro-based products, regional tourism, investment promotion, ICT, high tech industry and education.  

He discussed the issues when newly-appointed High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka Tareq Md Ariful Islam presented his credentials to him at the President’s House in a formal ceremony.

High Commissioner Tareq shared with the President the tremendous socio-economic developments that Bangladesh has achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He also discussed issues including enhancing bilateral trade, concluding bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), enhancing shipping connectivity, signing of coastal shipping agreement, investment promotion and cooperation in pharmaceutical sectors.

They discussed ways and means to further deepen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

High Commissioner Tareq conveyed the greetings and personal regards of the President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to President Rajapaksa.

High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka Tareq Md Ariful Islam presented his credentials Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Photo: Courtesy

He also conveyed to him the invitation of the President and the Prime Minister to visit Bangladesh.

Felicitating the High Commissioner for assuming his responsibility, Rajapaksa reciprocated the greetings to Bangladesh President and Prime Minister and thanked them for the invitation.

High Commissioner Tareq appreciated President Rajapaksa for leading the country to greater socio-economic developments as well as for effectively dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Referring to the excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and the multitude of commonalities, the High Commissioner expressed his commitment to work for further strengthening the ties between the two countries.

He solicited the support of the host government in this regard.

The Sri Lankan President shared his country’s experience in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunawardene, Secretary to the President Dr PB Jayasundera, and Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof Jayanath Colombage were present at the ceremony, said the High Commission.