DHAKA, Sept 6, 2019 (BSS) – Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen has
emphasized signing a ‘Coastal Shipping Agreement’ for enhancing trade and
commerce links between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
He came up with the importance while holding meeting with his Sri Lankan
counterpart Tilak Marapana on the sidelines of the IORA Blue Economy
Ministerial Conference at the Hotel Intercontinental here yesterday, a press
release said.
During the meeting, they discussed various areas of bilateral cooperation
between the two countries, with particular focus on enhancing business
connectivity.
The Bangladesh foreign minister highlighted the potential of importing
quality and affordable pharmaceuticals products from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka.
Momen stressed signing of the agreements on Promotion and Reciprocal
Protection of Investment, Avoidance of Double Taxation and Cooperation on
Customs Matters for further safeguarding and encouraging investments in a
win-win manner.
Agreeing with the Bangladesh side, the Sri Lankan foreign minister informed
that a business delegation from his country is scheduled to visit Bangladesh
in mid-September to discuss further business enhancement opportunities.
Marapana also touched upon the potential of developing cruise tourism in
the Bay of Bengal.
The Bangladesh foreign minister also sought Sri Lankan support in
connection with repatriation of the more than 1 million Rohingyas from
Bangladesh back to Myanmar, in safety and dignity.
He cautioned that if this situation is allowed to continue for long, it can
lead to security challenges in the region.
Discussing security related issues, Momen highlighted the zero-tolerance
policy of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina against terrorism.