Bangladesh
Bangladesh-Australia Prime Minister hopes to take Bangladesh-Australia relations to new heights
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, February 1: In the coming days, besides building a peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region, Bangladesh is looking forward to take the existing relations between Bangladesh and Australia to new heights for the welfare of the people and economy of the two countries.
Expressing her hope that the two countries would emerge as important partners, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a message to the Prime Minister of Australia on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic friendship between the two countries, said, "We both want to emerge as important partners and take our relationship to new heights in the future, building a peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region as well as benefiting our people and our economy."
In her message, Sheikh Hasina said, "On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-Australia bilateral relations, on behalf of the Government and people of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I am very happy to extend my warmest greetings to the Government and people of Australia."
Recalling Australia's immediate recognition of independent Bangladesh in January 1972, she said Australia's assistance in rebuilding war-torn Bangladesh and its support for socio-economic development in the post-independence decades was invaluable to Bangladesh.
She said Bangladesh has made significant progress in the last five decades since independence and has largely succeeded in eradicating poverty, empowering the people and building an inclusive society. We want to consolidate our position as a prosperous modern economy, a responsible country, a democracy, a country that seeks to build and maintain peace, and to strengthen the constitutional international system.
The Prime Minister said Australia is a reliable partner in achieving Bangladesh's socio-economic development. Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Australia are based on a common commitment to peace, pluralism and the dignity of the people. She added, "It is gratifying that our trade and economic exchanges, and engagement in education, agriculture, energy and people-to-people contacts are increasing."
