The newly appointed Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Pietro Ballero presented his credentials to President Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban yesterday.

Welcoming the ambassador, President Iajuddin expressed his satisfaction at the existing very good relation between Bangladesh and Italy and said trade volume between the two countries has been increased significantly in recent years. And there is still ample scope for further increasing trade in various sectors, he said.

He said Bangladesh values Italy as a very important development partner and both countries would cooperate each other for welfare of

their peoples.

Iajuddin stressed much on the cooperation in the field of science and technology and initiating linkage programmes for university teachers of both the countries. He also lauded the Italian government's decision to recruit manpower from Bangladesh.

The newly appointed Ambassador expressed his satisfaction at the existing friendly relations between the two countries and said trade relations would be improved and diversified in the coming days.

The ambassador was given guard of honour by the President's Guard of Regiment. He took salute and inspected the guard.