President for enhanced trade ties with Sweden, Canada

President M Abdul Hamid sought enhanced trade ties with Sweden and Canada by availing existing potentials as newly appointed envoys of the two countries presented their respective credentials to him at Bangabhaban here today, reports BSS.

The President also stressed on exchanging high-level visits at government and private sector levels for consolidating the existing relations.

According to a Bangabhaban spokesman, Ambassador-designate of Sweden Cahrlotta Schlyter and High Commissioner-designate of Canada Benoit Prefontaine respectively presented their credentials in two subsequent ceremonies after they were ceremonially welcomed to the presidential palace in the afternoon.

Receiving their credentials, the President appreciated Bangladesh's ties with the two countries and urged the envoys to play important roles in enhancing trade and economic ties for mutual benefits, President's press secretary Mohammad Joynal Abedin told newsmen.

President Abdul Hamid categorically said Bangladesh always gives importance to the enhanced bilateral and multilateral relations with all with the hope that the existing relations with both countries would be enhanced in days ahead.

Referring to the relation with Swedish government, President Abdul Hamid said Sweden is one of the important partners and the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) is playing a very positive role for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.

Recalling the cooperation of Canada during the 1971 Bangladesh's Liberation War, the President said, "Canada is a tested and reliable friend of Bangladesh. Since establishing the diplomatic relation with Bangladesh in 1972, Canada is also playing an important role for the development of Bangladesh."

Abdul Hamid said Bangladesh produced world-standard pharmaceuticals, world-class readymade garments, jute-made materials, ceramic products and leather goods and sought the High Commissioner's cooperation to import those from Bangladesh.

The President assured the envoys of his all out cooperation in discharging their duties in Bangladesh to cement further Bangladesh's relations with the two countries.

The envoys lauded Bangladesh government's role as it stood beside the persecuted Rohingya people on the humanitarian grounds.

Secretaries concerned to the President and high officials of Bangabhaban were present.

Earlier, on arrival at Bangabhaban a contingent of the horse-mounted President Guard Regiment (PGR) offered the envoys guards of honour as part of ceremony.