Dhaka, Berlin agree to expand bilateral trade

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BERLIN, Oct 25 (BSS): Bangladesh and Germany today agreed to further explore bilateral trade and cooperation in the areas of sustainable development, climate change, health and social safety programme. The two countries also agreed to strengthen their present excellent bilateral relations and work together on various regional and international issues of common interests for mutual benefits of their people. The agreement was reached at talks between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and German Chancellor Dr Angela Markel at the official residence of the Chancellor here. In a joint press briefing after the talks, Hasina and Markel said they held a very frank, in-depth and fruitful discussion on various issues relating to mutual interests and regional and international issues of common concern. Markel said Germany has very good relations with Bangladesh. She appreciated Hasina's role in building regional cooperation and connectivity in South Asia, particularly among India, Pakistan, and Myanmar. Hasina said, "I'm returning home happily with many promises from a great leader and renewed commitment for supporting my people and working together for bilateral, regional and international cooperation." "The visit is a milestone in our existing relations," she observed. As the Bangladesh Prime Minister arrived at the Chancellery, Markel received her. Hasina was accorded a red carpet reception as a smartly turned out contingent of German Army given her a guard of honour. National anthems of both the countries were played at that time. The Prime Minister introduced her cabinet colleagues Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni and Health Minister Dr AFM Ruhal Haque to the German Chancellor. Hasina, who arrived on a five-day official visit to Berlin to attend World Health Summit, availed of the opportunity to meet with the Chancellor of Germany, one of the largest trading partners and an important development partner of Bangladesh. In their discussion, the leaders reciprocated their admirations for each other and shared their concerns and visions over various regional and global affairs including fighting terrorism and climate change. Hasina called for continuing the existing German economic cooperation with Bangladesh and enhancing German support in sustainable development projects.