PM meets Bhutan's king, calls for tackling climate challenges together

Photo: PIDBSS, Thimphu

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said Bangladesh and Bhutan could work together in tackling the climate change challenges, expanding bilateral trade and enhancing regional cooperation in the greater interest of the two peoples.

"We can take joint efforts in tackling the consequences of global warming as both the countries are exposed to worst impacts of the phenomenon," she said while Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk hosted a reception in her honour at his palace.

The issues, including bilateral trade expansion and enhanced regional cooperation, were other major issues to dominate the nearly one hour meeting, followed by a royal lunch at the king's palace garden at Thimphu.

She also enjoyed a function after the luncheon when the Bhutanese artists performed presenting the traditional folk and other music and dances of the hilly country at the Himalayan foothills.

In the meeting, Sheikh Hasina appreciated the king and his father for the country's transition to democracy from kingdom.

The Bhutanese king also expressed his eagerness for enhancing bilateral cooperation and sought Bangladesh's support in the country's infrastructure development sector.

Sheikh Hasina said her government would provide necessary support to Bhutan for its socio-economic and infrastructure development sector alongside taking initiatives for increased trade and economic relations.

She said Dhaka would soon send a business delegation to Bhutan to explore potential areas of bilateral trade.

Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Industries Minister Dilip Barua, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan and Adviser to the Prime Minister HT Imam were present on the occasion.

Earlier, the Bangladesh's premier was accorded a ceremonial reception called "Chhipdrel" at the Tashichhodzong, the office of the king.

As a ceremonial motorcade escorting the premier went to Tashichhodzong, hundreds of Bhutanese attired in their colourful traditional robes marched with the convoy beating drums and presenting "Chhipdrel procession".

Royal Bhutan Army and the king's royal body guards offered her a guard of honour on arrival at Tashichhodzong when the military bands presented the national anthems of both the countries. Sheikh Hasina inspected the guard and took salutes.

Both sides of the roads from the prime minister's place of residence (Hotel Taj Tashi) to the king's office was decorated with colourful placards and festoons.

On her arrival at the south gate of Tashichhodzong, Sheikh Hasina was received by Governor of Thumphu Lhab Dorji and senior government officials.

Later, Minister for Economic Affairs of Bhutan Lyonpo Khandu Wangshuk called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Hotel suite.

During the meeting, they discussed wide range of bilateral issues, including expansion of trade and business between the two countries.

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