Dhaka, Nov 24 (V7N) — Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s three-day state visit to Bangladesh has reaffirmed the historic ties of friendship, trust and goodwill between the two nations, according to a joint statement issued on Sunday, the second day of his visit.

Prime Minister Tobgay is visiting Bangladesh from November 22 to 24 at the invitation of the Interim Government’s Principal Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Warm Reception and Tribute to Martyrs

Upon his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday, Tobgay was received by the Principal Advisor, followed by a guard of honor and gun salute.
Later, he travelled to the National Memorial in Savar, where he laid a wreath in honour of the martyrs of the Liberation War and planted a tree on the memorial premises.

Meetings with Bangladesh Leadership

During the visit, the Bhutanese Prime Minister paid a courtesy call on President Mohammad Shahabuddin.
He also held meetings with Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Towhid Hossain and Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Tobgay and Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus held a formal bilateral meeting in a “warm and cordial atmosphere,” reviewing the overall progress in bilateral relations with a focus on trade, connectivity, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

Recognition of Historic Ties

The Chief Advisor recalled Bhutan’s historic gesture as the first country to recognise Bangladesh on December 6, 1971, expressing gratitude for Bhutan’s steadfast support during the Liberation War.

Both sides also highlighted the significance of the Bhutanese King’s visit in March 2024, which helped further strengthen cooperation.

Expanding Trade, Connectivity & Investment

The joint statement emphasised boosting trade and private sector collaboration.
Prime Minister Tobgay discussed emerging opportunities in investment and trade with Bangladeshi business leaders.

Bangladesh appreciated the Bhutanese King’s Gelefu Mindfulness City initiative and reiterated its support. Both countries welcomed the progress of the Joint Working Group on developing Bhutan’s Special Economic Zone in Kurigram.

Bangladesh also offered to supply essential medicines to Bhutan on a government-to-government basis to ensure affordable healthcare for Bhutanese citizens.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the Traffic-in-Transit Agreement and noted the successful pilot transport of goods from Chittagong Port to Burimari Land Port.

Education, Training & Sports Cooperation

Prime Minister Tobgay thanked Bangladesh for increasing the yearly allocation of MBBS/BDS seats for Bhutanese students to 30 following the King's 2024 visit.

Bangladesh has further offered:

  • 10 engineering seats at BUET for Bhutanese students,

  • 1 BKSP seat for a Diploma in Sports Science,

  • Sports facilities in Bangladesh for Bhutanese teams,

  • Specialized professional training for Bhutanese experts.

Commitment to Regional Cooperation

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in SAARC, BIMSTEC, and other regional platforms, guided by shared values and aspirations for peace and prosperity.

Prime Minister Tobgay expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended by Bangladesh and invited Principal Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus to visit Bhutan at a convenient time.

The Bhutanese Prime Minister is accompanied by Foreign Minister Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Minister of Industry and Commerce Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, and senior Bhutanese officials.

END/SMA/AJ