DHAKA, Feb 8, 2022 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has proposed
to strike deals to South Sudan on different areas including contract farming
on agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, saying it could be mutually
beneficial.

  He also suggested signing agreements on visa exemption for holders of
diplomatic and official passport, promotion and protection of investment,
cooperation in trade and bilateral consultations between the foreign
ministries of both countries.

  The foreign minister came up with the proposal while a high-level South
Sudanese delegation led its Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Dau Deng
met him at the state Guest House Padma on Monday evening.

  During the meeting it was agreed that draft agreements from Bangladesh side
would be forwarded to the South Sudanese side for their consideration.

  The South Sudanese delegation was also comprised of Deputy Minister of
Defense, Secretary, Trade and Industry and other high officials.

  The both sides discussed various matters of existing bilateral relations
between the governments of Bangladesh and South Sudan.

   Dr Momen suggested that both countries may establish co-operation in
sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT and ICT.

  He informed that South Sudan can get ships and barges fabricated in
Bangladesh through joint collaboration.

  The South Sudanese side expressed appreciation for Bangladesh's engagement
in South Sudan in infrastructure building and rehabilitation areas apart from
participation in peacekeeping there.

   The visiting delegation particularly underlined the scope of co-operation
between the two the countries in health, education, IT and ICT, social
development, agriculture, education, climate change and UN peace-keeping
areas.

   It may be mentioned that Bangladesh contingents are deployed in the UN
peacekeeping Mission in UNMISS in South Sudan.

  The South Sudanese deputy foreign minister said that Bangladesh
peacekeepers deployed in peace-keeping missions in South Sudan are playing a
valuable role in maintaining peace and security in the area.

  Bangladesh foreign minister proposed that the South Sudanese government may
send military officers at the peace training institute of Bangladesh and also
at our military academies.

  Both sides identified that co-operation may be established in sectors like
dredging and river management.

  Dr Momen requested the South Sudanese side to extend support for solution
of the Rohingya crisis through safe and dignified return of the Rohingya
populations to their homeland.

  The delegation also called on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar
Alam at his office in the afternoon.

  A dinner was hosted in honour of the visiting South Sudanese delegation at
State Guest House Padma.

   The South Sudanese delegation is scheduled to meet with Bangladesh
Agriculture, Commerce and Industries ministers.

   They are also due to visit agricultural projects, nursing institutions and
few manufacturing industries in Bangladesh.

   The tour marks the first ever such high-level bilateral visit from South
Sudan to Bangladesh which comprises several high-level dignitaries.