PM wants to take partnership with S Korea to new height

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has extended her warmest congratulations to Kim Boo-Kyum, newly elected Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, saying she looks forward to working together to take the partnership between the two countries to a new height.

In a message on Monday on behalf of the people and the government of Bangladesh, she wished that Kim will lead his country successfully towards greater peace and prosperity with his political acumen and stewardship and extended an invitation to Kim to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

Prime Minister Hasina reiterated that the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and South Korea are evinced by shared values of mutual trust and respect, commonalities of history, conviction to peace, security, and prosperity for all.

She stressed that Bangladesh deeply values its close, friendly and multifaceted ties with the Republic of Korea which has further strengthened in recent years.

"I sincerely believe that our friendship and collaboration have vast potentials to be realised through greater trade, investment, human resource development and technical cooperation for the benefit of our two peoples," said the Prime Minister.

She is encouraged by the increased Korean investment in the infrastructure and socio-economic development programmes of Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to express deep appreciation for the continued participation of the government of the Republic of Korea in the development initiatives of Bangladesh as Bangladesh strives to build the "Sonar Bangla" – the Prosperous Bangladesh, as envisioned by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

She expressed the willingness of her government to continue to work closely with Korea on regional and global issues.

In this regard, she underscored the importance of early, safe and sustained repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar which is vital for the peace, stability and security of the region.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that this protracted crisis has potential to destabilise the entire region.

Bangladesh appreciates Korea's continued engagements in various fora, including the UN, in resolving the Rohingya crisis, Hasina said. 

She extended her firm belief that the existing friendly relation between our two peoples will further consolidate our cooperation during your term in the office.

The Prime Minister concluded by conveying her best wishes for Kim's good health and happiness, and for continued peace, progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Republic of Korea.