BSS, Thimphu :
Underscoring the need for forging stronger partnership between Bangladesh and Bhutan, President Abdul Hamid has said cooperation in hydropower and regional connectivity holds immense potential for the people of the two friendly countries.
“We must forge stronger partnership to work for the welfare and economic development of our peoples. Hydropower and regional connectivity hold huge potential for our bilateral cooperation,” said the President while addressing the joint session of parliament of Bhutan here on Monday.
Laying emphasis on taking more target-oriented actions for achieving tangible results in
hydropower cooperation, President Hamid said he is happy to know that there has been some notable progress in hydropower cooperation in the form of a tri-nation project among three friendly neighboring countries.
About regional connectivity, the President said it is good news that the National Assembly of Bhutan on June 21, 2016 passed the bill related to the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement.
“I hope this would go a long way in establishing seamless connectivity in this sub-region,” he added.
Mentioning terrorist attack in a restaurant in Dhaka, President Hamid said the government of Bangladesh is committed to fight against all types of terrorism and violent extremism.
“I am saddened today in the wake of unfortunate deaths of some innocent people in Dhaka who were mercilessly killed by a group of miscreants on July 1. I would like to reiterate that we are not frightened of such cowardly act and our government is committed to fight against all types of terrorism and violent extremism,” he said.
President Hamid said the relationship between Bangladesh and Bhutan is multifaceted, encompassing a whole range of areas including hydropower, water resources engagement, connectivity, trade and commerce, education, cultural exchange, tourism, etc.
Appreciating the formation of Bangladesh-Bhutan Parliamentary Friendship Group, the President hoped that this Group would become the mainstay of parliamentary collaboration of the two countries.
“I am sure, you, the parliamentarians can work towards further consolidating the Bangladesh-Bhutan relations by sharing best practices and experiences between the two Parliaments,” he added.
About Bhutan’s sociopolitical and economic situation, President Hamid said Bangladesh is watching with admiration the guidance the King is providing as the nascent democracy is marching ahead.
“This is a rare example in the history of democracy. The Prime Minister and his cabinet are judiciously steering the state of affairs. I am confident this pragmatic, collective and benevolent leadership would ensure the people of this Kingdom their best possible future,” he said.
