DHAKA, Feb 12, 2024 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today laid emphasis on finalizing the draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thimphu to import hydro power from Bhutan.

He made the remark while ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan to Bangladesh Rinchen Kuentsyl called on him at foreign ministry here, a press release said.
 
During the meeting, the foreign minister also discussed on establishing trilateral arrangements among Bangladesh, India and Bhutan for power generation and trading.
 
Mahmud also put emphasis on collaboration with Bhutan in commerce, connectivity, education, agriculture, health, and people-to-people contacts.

He also urged Bhutan to consider re-joining the BBIN initiative for sub-regional connectivity cooperation.

The foreign minister proposed exploring import of 'Pragati Industries'-made Jeep from Bangladesh.

The Bhutanese envoy congratulated Mahmud for his appointment as the foreign minister and expressed his deep appreciation for the importance

Bangladesh places on the bilateral relationship.

He lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the development achieved under her guidance during the last 15 years.
As a neighbour, Bhutan takes pride of Bangladesh's recent achievements, he added.

The envoy hoped that Bangladesh's continued development would pave the way for achieving the vision of "Sonar Bangla" soon, as envisioned by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Later, Swiss ambassador to Bangladesh, Reto Renggli called on the foreign minister at his ministry and held a positive and constructive discussion on a whole array of bilateral issues and matters related to mutual interest.

The envoy reiterated Switzerland's strong commitment to supporting Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya humanitarian crisis.