South Korea a special friend of Bangladesh, says Hasina

South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak welcomes Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when she arrives at Cheong Wa Dae Presidential Palace in Seoul yesterday.Photo: PID

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday called the Republic of Korea (ROK) “a special friend” deeply involved in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.
She made the remark at a luncheon hosted by South Korean President Lee Myung-bak at Cheong Wa Dae Presidential Palace.
Hasina said the Korean International Cooperation Agency has been providing sustained financial and technical assistance to Bangladesh's poverty-alleviation efforts, infrastructure and other areas of development.
“Your invaluable support since the establishment of diplomatic ties has raised our countries' relations to an enviable level,” she said.
The prime minister said this was her first visit to the Republic of Korea and she was truly overwhelmed by the beauty of the country.
“I also see a country which has creatively woven a social tapestry finely blending traditional culture with modernism,” she said, adding “your warmth and hospitality retains its traditional character, and imbues me with the feeling of being at home in Seoul.”
Hasina said in recent years bilateral relations have been translated into enhanced bilateral trade and investment in Bangladesh.
She said her meeting with President Lee was fruitful particularly in identifying new areas of cooperation.
“Our agreement to upgrade our relationship to the level of comprehensive partnership would assuredly deepen our friendship and cooperation.”
The prime minister said she was convinced that the people and the government of Republic of Korea will be with Bangladesh in her quest for progress.
“I foresee today a beautiful future in our two countries' relations and this makes me happy. Indeed, the years of our mutually beneficial efforts have come to fruition beckoning a future of prosperity and peace for our two countries and peoples.”