Deals to strengthen economic ties
Hopes Rajapaksa
President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa hold meeting at Bangabhaban in the city last night. Photo: PMO
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa last night said friendship of his country with Bangladesh is based on history and old civilisation with cultural links and commonalities. “History and culture bind us together,” he said in his banquet speech hosted by President Zillur Rahman in honour of Sri Lankan president and the First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban in the city. The visiting president said he is confidant that economic partnership will be further strengthened following the agreements that were signed on Monday. The two countries are working closely together to advance regional cooperation through Saarc and Bimstec. Since establishment of Saarc, both countries have striven to make positive contributions, he added. Referring to the problems of climate change and natural calamities he said, “We could address these issues (natural and man-made disasters) through regional and international cooperation.” Rajapaksa noted that Sri Lanka has accomplished the difficult task of defeating terrorism and is now engaged in the dual task of setting the country on accelerated path of economic development and addressing issues connected with reconciliation. “Its is important for the countries of our region to insist that we should have the space to evolve solutions based on our own culture and value, without undue interference by external forces,” Rajapaksa said. Earlier, welcoming the distinguished guests President Zillur Rahman said Bangladesh attaches high importance to its relations with Sri Lanka, which is deeply rooted in shared history and culture. “The people of two brotherly countries have been maintaining extensive links over the centuries,” he said, adding that with the passage of time this unique historical relationship has transformed into an extremely close and cordial stature. The president said immense opportunities lie before Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and believed the two friendly countries would work together for the mutual benefit in the days to come. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Former President HM Ershad, Deputy Leader of Parliament Sajeda Chowdhury, Ministers, State Ministers, MPs and high officials attended the banquet.
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