Noting that every country is facing challenges of its own in varied degrees, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said mutual collaboration is much more essential than ever before in this trying time. The dual impacts of Covid-19 pandemic, its resultant supply-chain disruption and the war between Russia and Ukraine have distorted the global economy, he said. The foreign minister made the remarks while handing over medical assistance to Sri Lanka at a function held at State guesthouse Padma.  Also read: A political reckoning in Sri Lanka as debt crisis grows "We also stand ready to extend further support to Sri Lanka in all possible ways we can," he said. Bangladesh decided to send a significant quantity of medical supplies worth Tk 20 crores to Sri Lanka as a goodwill gesture.  Foreign Minister Momen and Health Minister Zahid Maleque handed over few boxes of medicine as a token to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Prof. Sudharshan D.S. Seneviratne. Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen and President of Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceuticals Industries (BAPI) Nazmul Hassan, MP, among others, were present.  As a friend and close neighbour, Momen said, it is also Bangladesh's privilege to stand by Sri Lanka in whatever way it can, during times of crisis.  "This is yet another demonstration that the trajectory of our bilateral relations is in the right direction," he said. The foreign minister said this medical assistance by the government of Bangladesh to the friendly people of Sri Lanka is the expression of solidarity and friendship between the two nations when they are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations this year.  Over the last 50 years, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as South Asian neighbours have been maintaining close cooperation.  "Our two countries enjoy common historical legacy, shared culture and values, similar developmental aspirations, and face identical challenges," Momen said.  He said Bangladesh appreciates the value of good relations with Sri Lanka and understands the importance of making it even more fruitful and tangible.  "Our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh  Mujibur  Rahman was an epitome of humanity and love for the people. Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, able daughter of Bangabandhu is carrying his legacy which often transcends geographical boundaries," Momen said.