Bhutan King Meets Bangladesh President During Transit Stop In Dhaka
Bhutan’s King meets Bangladesh’s new President during Dhaka transit.
Bangladesh President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck during a brief transit stop by the monarch at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. The Bhutanese King’s special aircraft stopped in Bangladesh while returning from Singapore. The two leaders held an hour-long meeting at the airport’s VVIP lounge and discussed bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.
During the meeting, King Khesar congratulated Alamgir and conveyed his best wishes after the latter assumed office as Bangladesh’s president. Alamgir, in turn, conveyed greetings to the King and the Bhutanese Royal Family on behalf of Bangladesh’s government and people. The Bhutanese monarch also extended his good wishes to Bangladesh and its people, according to a press release from Bangabhaban.
The Bangladesh President highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries, recalling Bhutan’s historic role in recognising Bangladesh as an independent nation on December 6, 1971. Diplomatic relations between Bhutan and Bangladesh were formally established on May 12, 1973. In 2012, former Bhutanese King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was awarded the Bangladesh Liberation War Honour in recognition of Bhutan’s contribution during the 1971 Liberation War.
Also Read: Indian Envoy Meets Bangladesh Commerce Minister, Discusses Trade And Economic Cooperation
The two sides also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in areas including education, trade, investment, agriculture, healthcare, human resource development, cultural exchanges and civil aviation. King Khesar briefed Alamgir on the Gelephu Mindfulness City project and invited Bangladesh to participate in the initiative. The Bangladesh President expressed interest in the project and indicated Bangladesh’s willingness to work with Bhutan on regional initiatives focused on development and sustainable growth.
Trade remains an important component of bilateral relations. Bangladesh is currently Bhutan’s second-largest export destination and eighth-largest source of imports, while the two countries also maintain cooperation through regional and international platforms. Their broader engagement includes people-to-people contacts, standards, cultural cooperation and other areas of mutual interest.
The meeting concluded with invitations for future high-level visits. Alamgir invited King Khesar and members of the Bhutanese Royal Family to make a state visit to Bangladesh, while the Bhutanese King invited the Bangladesh President and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Bhutan. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Bhutan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh and senior government officials attended the airport meeting. The Bhutanese King’s special aircraft departed Dhaka for Bhutan at around 6:30 am on Wednesday.
Also Read: Hasina’s Return Among Two Conditions Bangladesh Sets For Rahman’s India Visit
