President thanks Italy, Brunei for providing support over Rohingya issue

Two outgoing envoys meet him

January 03, 2019 00:00:00

The outgoing envoys of Italy and Brunei Darussalam in Bangladesh separately met President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban in the city on Wednesday, reports UNB.

Press Secretary of the President Joynal Abedin said the President thanked Italian Ambassador Mario Palma and Brunei High Commissioner Hajah Masurai Binti Haji Masri for successful completion of their tenures in Bangladesh.

He also thanked the two countries for providing support to Bangladesh over the Rohingya issue in different international forums.

Mentioning that the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Brunei is quite small, the President said there is a significant room to increase it between the two Muslim countries.

Highlighting various quality products like agro items, halal food, jute goods, RMG and pharmaceuticals, he said Brunei can import those from Bangladesh in a greater volume.

Mentioning that Bangladeshi workforce is making a significant contribution to the economy of Brunei, the President said the country can consider recruiting more manpower from here.

The Brunei high commissioner praised the friendly behaviour and warm hospitality of the people of Bangladesh.

During the meeting with Italian Ambassador Mario Palma, the President lauded the liberal role of Italy about the Bangladeshi expatriates.

He also highly appreciated his extraordinarily positive role after the terror attack on Holey Artisan Cafe in Gulshan on July 1, 2016 which claimed the lives of nine innocent Italian citizens along with some others.

Hamid appreciated the role of the Italian government in managing Italian public sentiment and calming down the situation.

He also expressed sincere gratitude to the tolerant Italian people who always deal with Bangladesh's large expatriate community living in Italy with compassion and modesty.

Praising the role of Italy over the sustainable Rohingya repatriation, the President expressed the hope that the cooperation and support will continue in the coming days.

Describing Italy as one of the important partners of Bangladesh, he hoped that the bilateral and trade relations will be strengthened while investment will be increased.

The Italian ambassador presented his credentials to the President on January 14, 2015 while the High Commissioner of Brunei on August 11, 2016.