Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday stressed elevating ties to a strategic level through cooperation in new areas between Bangladesh and three Nordic countries.
The prime minister expressed her opinion when the three Nordic countries’ envoys posted in Dhaka —Ambassador of Norway Espen Rikter-Svendsen, Ambassador of Denmark Winnie Estrup Petersen, and Ambassador of Sweden Alexandra Berg von Linde –paid her a courtesy call.
"The new areas of cooperation are being explored by both sides to strengthen the ties to strategic engagements where possible," Sheikh Hasina said.
The envoys paid the call at the prime minister’s official residence Ganabhaban in Dhaka, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the three Nordic countries.
The diplomats assured the premier of providing continued assistance towards the economic development of Bangladesh.
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The PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the media after the meeting. PM's Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus was also present as the envoys paid the courtesy call.
The prime minister said the three Nordic countries have become close partners in Bangladesh's development, trade and investment over the last 50 years.
Sheikh Hasina recalled the three countries’ remarkable role in Bangladesh's Liberation War as well as their help and cooperation to rebuild the war-ravaged country afterwards.
She appraised the envoys about how democracy was thwarted in Bangladesh after the assassination of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The military rulers hindered the democracy and ruled the country overtly and covertly for many years, she added.
Sheikh Hasina said her government's main goal is to make rural-centric development and reach the benefits of the advancement to all.
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The envoys congratulated the prime minister on the occasion of the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the three Nordic countries.
They also said their countries had given recognition to Bangladesh in 1972 soon after the independence.
The three envoys appreciated the progress of Bangladesh, particularly the social development gained following the footstep of Bangabandhu.
The envoys highly lauded the prime minister for providing houses to the landless and homeless people.
In reply, Sheikh Hasina said the process of gifting houses to the landless and homeless people is still ongoing.
The Norwegian ambassador thanked the prime minister as her 1996-2001 regime had given the chance to Grameenphone to operate in Bangladesh.
To this end, the premier said she opened telecommunication to the private sector at that time, the outcome of which is now being enjoyed by the common people.
