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PM-LEE-TALKS 2NDLEAD 2 LAST DHAKA
The prime minister said Bangladesh and South Korea are maritime nations, and to further ease maritime trade, a bilateral shipping agreement may be concluded.
“We propose for implementing an integrated Maritime Navigation System in Bangladesh with Korean Exim Bank Fund under EDCF,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina mentioned that now many Bangladeshi nationals are working in Korea under Employment Permit System (EPS) in manufacturing sector.
“We would like to request to re-open other sectors, including agriculture, construction, fisheries and service sectors, for Bangladeshi workers,” she said. The prime minister said collaboration with a Korean commercial bank can assist Bangladeshi workers in Korea to send remittances through legal channel.
Sheikh Hasina said a higher education exchange network can be developed between two countries with a view to exchange academic and research experiences and findings and transfer of technology.
“South Korea can be a valuable partner of Bangladesh in Technical Education and Skill Development,” she remarked.
Based on the foreign policy – Friendship to all, malice to none – initiated by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh seeks peaceful resolution to all disputes and differences with countries in the region through dialogue.
“Bangladesh supports global initiatives that promote regional and international stability,” she said.
The prime minister said Bangladesh, as a signatory to the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty (NNPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), strongly supports all international measures for nuclear free zone in the Korean Peninsula.
“Our support for full implementation of the CTBT and NNPT in all aspects comes from our constitutional commitment. We welcome the recent de-escalation of tension in the Korean Peninsula,” she said.
Welcoming Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon to Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said, “We value our close friendly relations with the Republic of Korea based on mutual interests and spirit of cooperation,” she said.
After the establishment of diplomatic relations, she said, the cooperation between two countries in various fields has achieved fruitful outcomes.
“I recall my visit to South Korea in May 2010 when we committed to promoting our bilateral relations between our two countries to a comprehensive partnership,” she said.
The prime minister said it was also decided to intensify cooperation in trade, investment, energy and infrastructure development and transfer of technology on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.
“Under the leadership of President Moon Jae-in, Korea is transforming itself into a developed country,” she said, adding Bangladesh is being inspired by Korea in its endeavor to steer the nation to a higher level of development.
Sheikh Hasina said the greatest Bangalee of all times, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dreamt of a ‘Sonar Bangla’ or ‘Golden Bangladesh’.
“We have been implementing Visions 2021 and 2041 to become a middle income country by 2021 and a developed country by 2041,” she said.
Seeking Korea’s support to realize Bangabandhu’s dream, the premier said: “We appreciate soft loans for implementing development projects under Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).”
The press secretary said the South Korean premier highly appreciated Bangladesh’s tremendous development under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “Bangladesh made incredible progress in the last one decade” the press secretary quoted Lee as saying.
The South Korean prime minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to Sheikh Hasina on her election as the Prime Minister for the fourth time.
“The official talks between the two countries began at the Prime Minister’s Office around 4.40 pm today,” a source at the PMO said.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmed, PM’s Private Investment and Industry Adviser Salman F Rahman, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mahbub Ali, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee Muhammad Faruk Khan, among others, were included in the delegation.
Before the talks, the two premiers had a tete-a-tete at the same place.
Earlier, the prime minister received Lee Nak-yon at the Tiger Gate of the PMO at 4:15 pm by presenting a bouquet.
BSS/SH/ARS/2041 hrs