Dhaka, Aug 26 (V7N)- President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir welcomed King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan during a brief stopover at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport early Wednesday.

A special aircraft carrying the Bhutanese King from Singapore stopped in Dhaka on its way to Bhutan. During his approximately one-hour stay, President Mirza Fakhrul met the King at the VVIP lounge, where they held cordial discussions on matters of mutual interest.

During the meeting, the President invited King Wangchuck and members of the Bhutanese royal family to pay a state visit to Bangladesh at a convenient time. In response, the Bhutanese King invited the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan.

King Wangchuck conveyed his congratulations and best wishes to Mirza Fakhrul on assuming the presidency. The President, in turn, conveyed greetings and best wishes to the King and members of the royal family on behalf of the people and government of Bangladesh.

The President highlighted the historic and close relations between Bangladesh and Bhutan, recalling that Bhutan was the first country in the world to recognize Bangladesh as an independent state on December 6, 1971.

He also recalled with respect the affection and goodwill shown toward Bangladesh by the late King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, father of the current King.

Emphasizing the shared aspirations of the two countries for development and prosperity, King Wangchuck stressed the need to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas including education, trade and investment.

The Bhutanese King also briefed the President about his visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City project and sought Bangladesh's participation and cooperation in the initiative.

President Mirza Fakhrul expressed keen interest in the project and appreciated the initiative. He said Bangladesh is ready to work closely with Bhutan to advance transformative regional initiatives for mutual benefit, prosperity and sustainable development.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the Bhutanese Ambassador to Bangladesh and senior officials of the Bangladesh government were present during the meeting.

The special aircraft carrying King Wangchuck departed Dhaka for Bhutan at around 6:30 am.

END/SMA/AJ