Foreign minister wants regular Ctg-Colombo commercial shipping line

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen today sought regular commercial shipping lines and cruise shipping between Chattogram and Colombo to enhance bilateral trade and tourism.

He also underscored the need for affordable air ticket prices with enhanced air connectivity in participation with more airlines between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Momen made the remarks while paying a courtesy call on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Palace in Colombo.

The minister is now visiting Sri Lanka to attend the fifth BIMSTEC summit.

Meanwhile, Rajapaksa offered greater use of Colombo port for transportation of Bangladeshi goods.

He also deeply appreciated the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the policy of collective prosperity with a special focus on counter-terrorism and violent extremism.

Momen further urged the Sri Lankan president to take joint initiatives to fully utilise the trade potential between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

He also offered Sri Lanka to explore the possibilities of importing pharmaceuticals and agro products including potatoes from Bangladesh.

They also discussed the possible new areas of cooperation including food security, ICT, health care and the blue economy.

However, Momen reiterated his request for the continued support of Sri Lanka for the immediate repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to their home country with safety and dignity.