Diplomatic Correspondent

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday received credentials from ambassadors of three countries to Bangladesh separately at Bangabhaban in Dhaka.

The three non-resident ambassador-designate are – Kimmo Lahdevirta of Finland, Omar Lisandro Castaneda Solares of Guatemala, and Kevin Kelly of Ireland.

Welcoming the envoys in Dhaka, the president said Bangladesh's foreign policy attaches importance to bilateral and friendly relations with all, President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told BSS after the meetings.

Mohammed Shahabuddin said Bangladesh has always given priority to expanding bilateral relations in terms of trade and investment.

He expressed his hope that the bilateral relations with these three countries would further be consolidated during the new envoys’ assignments here.

Terming Bangladesh as a country with huge potential, the president urged the ambassadors to use all possibilities to strengthen trade ties between Bangladesh and their respective countries.

He also emphasized the exchange of visits at the government and private levels to explore the trade and investment potentials of the three countries.

Referring to the investment-friendly environment and other facilities in Bangladesh, the head of the state urged the ambassadors to encourage their businessmen to increase investment in bilateral potential sectors here.

About the Rohingya repatriation, he said, "Although Bangladesh provided shelter to displaced Myanmar nationals on humanitarian grounds, it has now become a complex socio-economic problem."

The Bangladesh president sought the full cooperation of friendly countries and the international community to end the Rohingya crisis in a dignified and permanent manner.

During the meeting, the ambassadors expressed their interest in enhancing diplomatic relations with their respective countries.

They also conveyed sorrow and sympathy for the damage caused by the recent Cyclone Remal.

The envoys appreciated the success of the government and the people in facing various disasters in Bangladesh including Remal.

They sought the necessary cooperation of the president in carrying out their respective assignments.

Secretaries to the President's Office and foreign ministry officials concerned were present at the meetings.

Earlier, on their arrival at Bangabhaban, a horse-mounted contingent of the Presidential Guard Regiment (PGR) gave a guard of honor to the ambassadors as part of the ceremony.