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Dhaka to work closely with Colombo,

says President

BSS, Dhaka
President Iajuddin Ahmed yesterday expressed the hope that the visit of Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga would provide an opportunity to share views and explore new avenues to overcome the economic and other challenges facing the developing countries.
"The excellent understanding and cooperation that we enjoy as close neighbours and members of SAARC is a matter of great satisfaction to us," he said at a dinner hosted by him in honour of the visiting Sri Lankan president at Bangabhaban.
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Iajuddin said the two countries are bound by a deep and abiding friendship rooted in historical ties, common cultural heritage and aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity of the region.
He said Bangladesh is deeply committed to promoting peace and harmonising good neighbourly relations through constructive dialogue among the countries of the region.
"It is in this spirit that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman envisioned a peaceful, stable and prosperous South Asia in which the key thrust was to improve the quality of life of the ordinary South Asians in an environment of peace," he added.
The president said for more than
two decades, Bangladesh has been working steadfastly to deepen the SAARC process in which the Sri Lankan President had made an invaluable contribution. "We shall work closely with you to realise the real potential of regional cooperation."
Iajuddin said Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have also much to gain by further enhancing bilateral ties. Excellent potential exists to increase two-way trade, explore joint investment projects and exchange and upgrade skills in different areas, he added.
"It is vital that we effectively promote and follow-up existing bilateral agreements while exploring new directions, especially in such important areas as the IT sector, civil aviation, tourism and shipping."
The president also suggested encouraging greater contact between the parliamentarians, academicians, youths, cultural groups and civil society.
He lauded the efforts of the Sri Lankan president in leading her country purposefully on the path of development. "Sri Lanka's socioeconomic progress, particularly in the area of poverty eradication and human resources development, has been an object of international acclaim," he pointed out.
Iajuddin said as a close friend, Bangladesh welcomes all positive initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and stability in Sri Lanka.
He reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering commitment to the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.