March 12, Colombo (LNW): Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud voiced a strong commitment to bolstering trade and commerce ties with Sri Lanka during discussions with Sri Lankan High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody at the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka yesterday (11). The meeting, which delved into matters of mutual interest, saw Mahmud expressing contentment with the current bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He extended gratitude to the High Commissioner for conveying congratulatory messages to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from the Sri Lankan Head of State and Head of Government following the victory in the 12th National Parliamentary elections. Mahmud also commended Sri Lanka’s economic recovery efforts and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s solidarity during times of crisis. Emphasising the need to tap into the full potential of bilateral relations, Mahmud proposed intensifying cooperation in trade, agriculture, fisheries, ICT, hospitality, shipping, maritime connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. He suggested expanding bilateral trade by exporting high-quality pharmaceuticals and garments to Sri Lanka and sought increased Sri Lankan investment in Economic Zones. Mahmud underscored the importance of promptly concluding bilateral instruments, including the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). High Commissioner Weerakkody briefed the Foreign Minister on Sri Lanka’s current economic landscape, highlighting its phase of economic recovery with support from friendly nations like Bangladesh. He underscored the potential for further expanding sectoral cooperation for mutual benefit. Furthermore, Mahmud sought Sri Lanka’s support for the early repatriation of Rohingyas and proposed extensive cooperation within regional bodies like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and IORA. The Foreign Minister conveyed his best wishes to the High Commissioner for a successful tenure in Bangladesh and assured him of full support.