UNB, Dhaka :Bangladesh and Cambodia on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to further enhance and strengthen bilateral cooperation in various regional cooperative frameworks for regional peace, stability and prosperity.They also stressed mutual investments in each other’s country taking advantage of their own investment-friendly environment.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen agreed on the issues after their in-depth discussions on wide-ranging bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest at their official talks.The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction over the existing level of cooperation between the two countries in various regional bodies, including in ACD and UNESCAP, according to the joint statement issued after the talks.Hun Sen appreciated Bangladesh’s constructive role and initiatives in promoting regional peace, stability and progress in the region.He welcomed Bangladesh’s close cooperation and engagement with Asean member states and acknowledged Bangladesh’s deep interest in elevating the relationship to a level of dialogue partnership in Asean.The Cambodian premier also acknowledged the request of Bangladesh to accord a favourable consideration to Bangladesh’s joining the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation.Both the Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the existing level of cooperation between the two countries in various international fora and agreed to forge closer cooperation in the United Nations, NAM, WTO and in other international fora on issues of mutual interest.They reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen and strengthen the bilateral relations, which is rooted in the shared historical, religious and cultural linkages between two countries.Hasina noted Hun Sen’s visit has generated renewed momentum to the existing excellent bilateral relations.They also noted with satisfaction that Bangladesh and Cambodia have developed a strong and mutually beneficial partnership at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels and are working closely for fostering greater regional cooperation for the socioeconomic development, peace and stability in the region.The Prime Ministers acknowledged the imperative and benefits of regular bilateral consultations that would afford to review and seek ways for expanding and deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.The two sides agreed to establish a Joint Commission to identify new areas of cooperation and coordinate and deepen existing cooperation in various areas.The Prime Ministers also agreed to establish a Joint Trade Council in the spirit of Article VII of the Trade Agreement between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, to be co-chaired by the Ministers of Commerce of the two countries to widen economic cooperation and broaden trade relations between both countries.Both sides stressed the need for strengthening relations between the business communities of the two countries and in this context, encouraged the private sectors to develop an institutional arrangement between their Chambers of Commerce to exploit the full potentials of bilateral trade.The two leaders agreed to deepen cultural and educational ties between the two countries through cultural and educational exchange programmes for building greater understanding between the peoples of the two countries.Both sides agreed to encourage greater high-level interactions to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries, particularly at high political and government officials as well as between academics, media, youth and sportsmen and cultural personalities etc.The Bangladesh Prime Minister thanked her Cambodian counterpart for his country’s support towards Bangladesh’s membership in ASEM.The Cambodian Prime Minister expressed his confidence that Bangladesh would make meaningful contributions in this trans-continental grouping.The Prime Minister of Cambodia paid tribute and respect to the memory of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.He also visited the National Mausoleum at Savar and paid respect to the memories of the great freedom fighters of Bangladesh.The Cambodian PM is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Wednesday morning.
