Bangladesh hopes to deepen ties with Asean

Bangladesh looks forward to intensifying its political, economic and cultural connectivity with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) as a dialogue partner.

Institutionalisation of this relationship will not only make a bridge between the two historical regions, but also foster investment, trade flow and cultural exchanges, and there also exists a commonality of security interests between Bangladesh and Asean member countries.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali made these remarks yesterday while addressing the 3rd Asean Flag Raising Ceremony organised by Asean Dhaka Committee (ADC) at the Indonesian embassy in Dhaka marking the 49th founding anniversary of Asean.

ADC was established in 2013 with an aim to strengthen ties between Asean and Bangladesh.

Describing Asean as the most successful regional grouping in the developing world, he said Bangladesh's growing economy and geographical proximity makes it a natural candidate for a partnership with Asean.

Bangladesh's greater engagement with Asean would provide a valuable hub to improve regional connectivity between South and South East Asia, he said.

Ambassors of Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore were present. The ADC members expressed deep condolences and tributes to the victims of the Gulshan and Sholakia attacks.