ZCZC
BSS-32
SA-VISA-MISSION
South Africa plans to open embassy in Dhaka: envoy
DHAKA, Sept 4, 2019 (BSS) – South Africa is considering opening a
diplomatic mission in Dhaka to increase its socioeconomic relations with
Bangladesh and enhance its presence in the global arena.
“Politically, a decision is there that we will open an embassy in Dhaka.
But, like any configuration, it comes from a financial implication. And at
present, South Africa is relooking our global presence,” Ambassador Dr Anil
Sooklal, Deputy Director-General for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East of
DIRCO, South Africa, told a lecture session in Dhaka today while responding
to a question.
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS)
arranged the lecture on ‘Commemorating the Silver Jubilee of Diplomatic
Relations between South Africa and Bangladesh’ at its auditorium.
“I think, after 25 years of democracy and having established our presence
globally, it will be a time to revitalise it. I can assure you that if we
open any new office in Asia, it will be in Bangladesh,” Sooklal said. He said
they discussed it at a meeting yesterday about opening an embassy in
Bangladesh.
“We’ve a political agenda and decision that we’ll have to open an embassy
in Dhaka,” he added. The South African envoy acknowledged that Bangladesh
people are now facing difficulties in processing visa application from
Colombo.
Noting that South Africa will shift this responsibility to New Delhi from
Colombo soon, he said, “But, most importantly, South Africa is in a very
advanced process of introducing e-Visa within the next year to alleviate much
of challenges you’re facing now in terms of getting visa”.
Chaired by Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque, the lecture session, was
also addressed, by BIISS director general AKM Abdur Rahman.
BSS/ASG/MRI/RY/1830 hrs