Dhaka, Budapest to boost ties

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Dhaka and Budapest agreed to work together for the common prosperity alongside joining hands with the international community to fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

“We've reached an understanding that there is much scope for Bangladesh and Hungary to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment,” she said in a statement during her joint outreach with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Terming Hungary, which supported the Liberation War, a trusted friend of Bangladesh, Hasina said: “As friendly countries, we can work together and distance between the two countries can't be a barrier. We can shorten this distance as our hearts are close.”

She thanked her Hungarian counterpart for his commitment to help Bangladesh. She said high-powered business delegations from both the countries will exchange views and have the chance to look deeper into the trade and investment opportunities available in the two countries.

Earlier, the two premiers had official talks.

The PM said she discussed with the Hungarian premier the important issues of global concern like countering terrorism and violent extremism.

“Bangladesh maintains a 'zero tolerance' policy against terrorism. We vow to fight this global menace together with the international community.”

In his statement, the Hungarian PM said they also have a “zero tolerance” policy like Bangladesh against any terrorist acts.

He said terrorism cannot be connected to any religion, nationality or a civilisation and ethnic identity. “Terrorism is terrorism, no matter what kind of fundamental attachment it is indicating. Terrorism is something that should be prosecuted.”

Hasina said both Bangladesh and Hungary yesterday signed three memorandums of understanding in the fields of political consultations, water management and agriculture.

Besides, two chambers of both the countries are set to sign today another MoU which would facilitate collaboration between the business communities.

“Bangladesh and Hungary will share experiences and knowledge on water management. I sought Prime Minister Orbán's active support to my proposal to establish a Global Fund for Water SDG. I want him to lead from the front to build the much-needed global consensus on water-related issues,” she added.

The PM said they discussed the current global issues like terrorism and violent extremism, migration and refugee crises, climate change, water and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

She also hoped that Hungary would participate in the 9th Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) to be hosted by Bangladesh in Dhaka in December next.

She said Bangladesh wants to see a world which is free from poverty, hunger, injustice and inequality. “We're obligated to build a peaceful world for our children. Our common resolve is to work together for shared prosperity of our people through mutually beneficial economic cooperation.”

Hasina invited her Hungarian counterpart to visit Bangladesh in near future. She also congratulated the government and people of Hungary for organising the Budapest Water Summit very successfully.

Noting that they were keenly observing from a distance how Hungary had became successful in transforming its economy, the PM said, “Today, Hungary is a trade and manufacturing centre for Central and Eastern Europe. It has evolved as an economic powerhouse in the heart of Europe. I take this opportunity to applaud Hungary on the remarkable gains it has made in its political and economic transition over the last 25 years or more."

She gratefully recalled Hungary's recognition of Bangladesh as a sovereign state as one of the first European countries its moral and political support during the Liberation War in 1971. “I firmly believe that my visit will provide the much needed impetus to revive our relations to its full potential,” she added.

About the bilateral relations, Orbán said there are a lot of potentials which are yet to be explored, citing the field of water management, hi-tech and digital economy as examples.

Appreciating the courage of Hasina and her family as she has been working hard for the people over the last few years, he said Bangladesh played a very important role and gained excellent results in the economic fields.

MEETING WITH BUSINESSMEN

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday encouraged Hungarian entrepreneurs to be partners with Bangladesh in investment, trade and innovative businesses for shared prosperity.

“As we strive to achieve our goals by 2021 and 2041, I strongly encourage you, the leaders of Hungarian business and industry, to partner with us in investment, trade and innovative businesses for a shared prosperity. Together, we can bring a change in the lives of millions in both of our countries,” she told the concluding ceremony of the Bangladesh-Hungary Business and Economic Forum at Marriott Hotel in Budapest.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, its business and industry leaders and members of the Bangladeshi business delegation were present, among others.