Dhaka, Aug 13 (V7N) – Newly appointed South African High Commissioner to Dhaka, Anil Suklal, has said that if his country opens a new embassy anywhere in South Asia after India, it will be in Bangladesh. He also revealed plans for a high-level visit between the two nations to strengthen Dhaka–Cape Town relations.

Suklal said Bangladesh and South Africa, though geographically and culturally different, face similar challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, and underdevelopment. “We have experience in eliminating poverty, underdevelopment, inequality, and unemployment, which we can share with Bangladesh. To solve these problems, we need to address their root causes. South Africa is also interested in working bilaterally to tackle them,” he said.

Recalling Nelson Mandela’s visit to Bangladesh in 1997, Suklal noted that Mandela had expressed interest in opening an embassy in Dhaka, but the plan never materialized. “If our government provides funds, we will open an embassy here as soon as possible. Even if a new embassy is opened in the region, it will be in Bangladesh,” he emphasized.

The High Commissioner also highlighted South Africa’s interest in investing in Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical, garment, and agricultural sectors, while encouraging reciprocal investment from Bangladesh. “We want a win-win environment in bilateral relations. Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical, clothing, and agricultural sectors have great potential,” he said.

Suklal added that South Africa is committed to enhancing cooperation with Bangladesh on both bilateral and multilateral platforms, particularly on poverty reduction, unemployment alleviation, and development initiatives.

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