DHAKA, March 8, (V7N) - Bangladesh on Sunday reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with Nepal and Bhutan across a wide range of sectors, as State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam held separate meetings with the ambassadors of the two neighbouring countries.

During her meeting with Nepal’s Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari, the State Minister congratulated the government and people of Nepal on the successful conduct of recent parliamentary elections. Both sides discussed expanding collaboration in trade and commerce, energy, connectivity, education, tourism, cultural exchange and people‑to‑people contacts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The discussions also touched on enhancing regional cooperation, with the State Minister recalling the vision of late President Ziaur Rahman in establishing SAARC and emphasising the importance of reviving the platform to strengthen regional collaboration.

Ambassador Bhandari congratulated the State Minister on assuming office and conveyed Nepal’s interest in working closely with the new government of Bangladesh.

Later, Bhutan’s Ambassador Dasho Karma Hamu Dorjee also called on the State Minister. The two sides reviewed the overall state of Bangladesh–Bhutan relations and expressed interest in further strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity, education and people‑to‑people exchanges.

Shama Obaed expressed appreciation for Bhutan’s historic recognition of Bangladesh in 1971 and highlighted the government’s priority on fostering strong, forward‑looking relations with neighbouring countries to promote regional peace and prosperity.

The meeting also discussed ongoing initiatives, including efforts to expand bilateral trade and the proposed establishment of a Bhutanese Special Economic Zone in Kurigram.

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