DHAKA: Slovenia is keen to deepen ties with Bangladesh, especially in the fields of bilateral trade, energy, science and technology, agriculture and light industries.
Bangladesh state minister for foreign affairs M Shahriar Alam and state secretary of Slovenia foreign ministry Darja Bavdaz Kuret signed a MoU on Friday (June 24) in this regard.
The ceremony was held at “BRDO Convention Centre” in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana on behalf of their respective governments, said a press release on Saturday (June 25).
Prior to the signing ceremony, Shahriar Alam called on Slovenia deputy prime minister and foreign minister Karl Erjavee at his office.
He also met the president of Slovenian National Assembly (Speaker of the Slovenian Parliament) Milan Brglez, and the head of the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry after arrival.
Shahriar Alam also exchanged views with a group of Slovenian businesspeople and investors who already in the process of exploring business opportunities in Bangladesh.
However, Shahriar is on a three-day official trip to Slovenia. It is the first-ever ministerial-level visit between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relationship in 1996.
Shahriar Alam also attended the anniversary celebration at the invitation of Slovenian President Borut Pahoralong with the presidents of Germany, Croatia, Italy and Austria.
The Slovenian foreign minister termed the visit as important milestones to consolidate further the relationship between the two friendly countries in the political, economic and other fields.
During the meetings, the both sides stressed on regular exchanges at the political, official and business level to further deepening and strengthening the existing bonds of friendship between the two countries.
The state minister briefed Slovenian leaders of Bangladesh’s robust socioeconomic progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and invited them to see for themselves the development spree in Bangladesh.
The Slovenian leaders underlined that the two countries could collaborate in renewable energy and power generation, small scale high-tech industries and other sectors.
Requesting Bangladesh to explore using Slovenian port 'Copper Port' which is gateway to the Central Europe, the Slovenian minister also stressed on cooperation in the field of shipping.
The Slovenian foreign ministry said that they were planning to send a high-level Slovenian business delegation to Bangladesh end of this year to explore business opportunities and enhance cooperation with Bangladeshi businesspeople.
BDST: 1951 HRS, JUN 25, 2016
JP/BD/RR
