Bangladesh's ties with ASEAN nations to be strengthened: Farooki

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has expressed the hope that Bangladesh's friendly relations with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries will deepen further in the coming days, reports UNB.

"The roots of our relationship with ASEAN countries run deep-built on shared history, heritage, culture, and religious values.

There have been longstanding people-to-people contact and bonding among our nations," he said while speaking at an event marking ASEAN Day in the capital on Thursday.

Highlighting the potential for cooperation, he said ASEAN presents golden opportunities in tourism, investment, trade, and employment.

"We must capture these opportunities with the right initiatives," the adviser added. The event was also addressed by Brunei's High Commissioner to Dhaka Haris bin Othman, and Malaysian High Commissioner Shuhada Othman.

ASEAN was established on August 8, 1967 to promote economic growth, social progress, cultural development, and regional peace and stability among Southeast Asian countries.