Blue Economy: Momen Suggests Cooperation Between Bangladesh, S Africa

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen proposed cooperation between Bangladesh and South Africa in different areas of mutual interest including agriculture and blue economy, reports media.

The FM made the proposal after meeting South African Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor at State Guest House Padma in Dhaka on Thursday.

He underlined the importance of high-level visits and exchange of business delegations between the two countries.

Both sides discussed important issues of mutual interest and cooperation.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Dr Momen informed the South African Foreign Minister about the celebration of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and golden jubilee of our independence in Bangladesh.

He briefed her about the development march of Bangladesh under the prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the huge socio-economic progress achieved by Bangladesh during the last decade.

Dr. Pandor expressed huge satisfaction on the warm welcomed extended to her and the visiting South African delegation.

While apprising about the economic development of South Africa and its comparative advantage on many areas, the South African Foreign Minister underlined the importance of continuing cooperation between the two countries in trade, economic and other identified areas.

Both sides agreed that there would be visit of business delegation from Bangladesh to South Africa and vice versa.

The Bangladesh and South African sides also discussed on celebrating the Silver Jubilee of diplomatic relations between the two countries in a befitting manner.

It was decided that the Bangladesh High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with the South African Foreign Ministry would organise seminars and trade shows manifesting the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Dr Momen requested South African government to establish a diplomatic representation in Dhaka in order to facilitate consular and other cooperation.

He particularly sought continued cooperation of South Africa in Rohingya repatriation issue. He sought support of the government of South Africa at IMO and other Bangladesh candidature.

The South African Minister also visited Joyeeta Foundation office and their retail outlet in Dhanmondi, Dhaka on 17th November 2021 evening.

The Foundation is providing infrastructural, physical and technical support to the women entrepreneurs with a view to equipping them with capacities for income generation. 

During the visit she was accompanied by the delegation of the Foreign Ministry officials of South Africa.