President Iajuddin expressed happiness at the existing state of relationship and hoped that her visit would further consolidate the bilateral relations.

The president, however, said that the trade relations between the two countries were "yet to stand on a sound footing".

He stressed exchange of agricultural scientists and technologies for finding out new ways to boost agricultural production as both the countries have almost common problems and possibilities in agricultural sector.

"Both the countries would be mutually benefited under the exchange programme of the teachers at university level," he said.

In the context, the president highlighted government initiative to provide education to the girl students particularly in the rural areas.

The micro-credit system has been working well to develop socio-economic condition of the rural people, he said.

Iajuddin said, "Both the countries have common perception on major regional and international issues and feel that peaceful dialogue can solve any problem."

He conveyed his best wishes to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines.

Domingo-Albert said the two countries could diversify their trade relations.

She stressed deeper cooperation in agricultural technology for yielding hybrid rice.

She appreciated Bangladesh's micro-credit programme and contribution of Bangladesh to the UN peacekeeping force.