Yunus, Tobgay pledge stronger collaboration across SAARC, BIMSTEC

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay have reaffirmed their commitment and cooperation at the international, regional and sub-regional platforms, like SAARC and BIMSTEC based on the principles of shared values, mutual respect, understanding, and a common aspiration for peace and prosperity.

The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to enduring bilateral engagements and cooperation, according to a joint statement issued on Sunday.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the Joint Working Group (JWG) to facilitate the development of the Bhutanese Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kurigram and welcomed the ongoing collaborative efforts.

The leaders also expressed satisfaction with the status of implementation of the Agreement on the Movement of Traffic-in-Transit, noting that the trial run of goods transport from Chattogram Port to Burimari Land Port is being completed.

Bangladesh proposed supplying pharmaceutical products to Bhutan on a government-to-government basis. Both sides acknowledged that such cooperation would enhance Bhutan’s access to affordable and quality healthcare supplies.

At the invitation of the chief adviser, the prime minister of Bhutan is on a state visit to Bangladesh from 22 to 24 November.

The Bhutanese prime minister was accompanied by Lyonpo DN Dhungyel, minister for foreign affairs and external trade; Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, minister for industry, commerce, and employment; and senior officials of the Bhutanese government.

Prime Minister Tobgay’s visit to Bangladesh is a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted friendship and goodwill that have long defined the relations between the two countries, read the joint statement.

The chief adviser hosted a banquet in honour of the prime minister of Bhutan on Saturday evening.

Both the heads of government held official talks on Saturday in an atmosphere of heartfelt warmth and cordiality reflecting the time-tested friendship between the two countries.

The two leaders recognised with deep satisfaction the excellent state of bilateral ties and discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including trade, connectivity, and people-to-people connections.

Recalling Bhutan as the first country to recognise Bangladesh as an independent country on 6 December 1971, the chief adviser expressed gratitude for Bhutan's invaluable support during Bangladesh’s fight for independence.

Both sides underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral trade and strengthening private sector cooperation.

Prime Minister Tobgay also met business leaders from Bangladesh to explore new avenues for economic and commercial collaboration.

Bangladesh appreciated the King of Bhutan’s global vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) and conveyed her readiness to extend cooperation in the development of GMC in Bhutan.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the state of ongoing cooperation in various fields such as human resource development, connectivity, tourism and culture.

In the presence of the two leaders, MoU on Trade of International Internet Bandwidth and other Telecommunication Services; and MoU on Appointment of Health Workforce were signed.

To boost the bilateral cooperation, Bangladesh also offered 10 earmarked seats each year at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology for Bhutanese students to pursue engineering studies; one dedicated seat for them to pursue diploma in sports science at Bangladesh Sports Education Institution (BKSP), as well as extension of the use of home ground for Bhutanese sports teams; and specialised professional training programmes for Bhutanese experts in relevant fields. 

The prime minister expressed appreciation for the cordial welcome and warm hospitality extended to him and the members of his delegation.

He extended an invitation to the chief adviser to visit Bhutan at a mutually convenient time.