UNB, Dhaka :
South Africa is planning to open its embassy here to expand economic relations with Bangladesh and enhance its presence in the global arena.
“We’ve a political agenda and decision that we’ll have to open an embassy in Dhaka,” said Ambassador Dr Anil Sooklal, Deputy Director-General for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East of DIRCO, South Africa.
He further said, “At the present time, South Africa is relooking at our global presence. I think after 25 years of democracy and having established our presence globally, it’s a time to revitalise it. I can assure you that if we open any new office in Asia, it’ll be in Bangladesh.”
Sooklal was speaking at a lecture titled “Commemorating the Silver Jubilee of Diplomatic Relations between South Africa and Bangladesh organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at its auditorium in the city on Wednesday.
Acknowledging that Bangladeshis are facing difficulties now in having their visa applications processed from Colombo, he said they will shift this responsibility to New Delhi soon.
Sooklal said Bangladesh and South Africa can work together in the identified priority areas that will be of mutual benefit to the two nations.
“South Africa values its relations with Bangladesh and recognises that there’s much for us to learn from you in achieving socioeconomic goals within set timeframes. Due to socioeconomic achievement of the present government, Bangladesh is now recognised worldwide as a development miracle,” he observed.
Lauding Bangladesh’s astounding economic growth, the diplomat said Bangladesh and South Africa have enormous potential to expand economic relations.
Mentioning that their country took its non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council in January this year, he said they will promote the maintenance of international peace and security through advocating for peaceful settlement of disputes and inclusive dialogue.
“We note with concern the humanitarian disaster unfolding on your borders with Myanmar. South Africa commends the efforts of Bangladesh government for assisting these vulnerable persons and call for a peaceful and suitable resolution to this matter,” Sooklal said.
South Africa is planning to open its embassy here to expand economic relations with Bangladesh and enhance its presence in the global arena.
“We’ve a political agenda and decision that we’ll have to open an embassy in Dhaka,” said Ambassador Dr Anil Sooklal, Deputy Director-General for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East of DIRCO, South Africa.
He further said, “At the present time, South Africa is relooking at our global presence. I think after 25 years of democracy and having established our presence globally, it’s a time to revitalise it. I can assure you that if we open any new office in Asia, it’ll be in Bangladesh.”
Sooklal was speaking at a lecture titled “Commemorating the Silver Jubilee of Diplomatic Relations between South Africa and Bangladesh organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at its auditorium in the city on Wednesday.
Acknowledging that Bangladeshis are facing difficulties now in having their visa applications processed from Colombo, he said they will shift this responsibility to New Delhi soon.
Sooklal said Bangladesh and South Africa can work together in the identified priority areas that will be of mutual benefit to the two nations.
“South Africa values its relations with Bangladesh and recognises that there’s much for us to learn from you in achieving socioeconomic goals within set timeframes. Due to socioeconomic achievement of the present government, Bangladesh is now recognised worldwide as a development miracle,” he observed.
Lauding Bangladesh’s astounding economic growth, the diplomat said Bangladesh and South Africa have enormous potential to expand economic relations.
Mentioning that their country took its non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council in January this year, he said they will promote the maintenance of international peace and security through advocating for peaceful settlement of disputes and inclusive dialogue.
“We note with concern the humanitarian disaster unfolding on your borders with Myanmar. South Africa commends the efforts of Bangladesh government for assisting these vulnerable persons and call for a peaceful and suitable resolution to this matter,” Sooklal said.
