Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni met her Iranian counterpart Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi in Tehran on Friday in the sidelines of the 16th NAM Summit.
Both ministers discussed issues of mutual interest particularly for expanding ties between the two brotherly countries. They noted with satisfaction that the first ever Foreign Office Consultations at Foreign Secretary level was held in Tehran on August 25 last, a foreign ministry statement said.
Dr. Salehi appreciated the role of Bangladesh in NAM, particularly in the Ministerial Committee on Palestine, as well as other international issues.
He conveyed the appreciation of his government for the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s participation in the 16th NAM Summit hosted by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
He also sought the support of Bangladesh during the chairmanship of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the next three years. He highlighted the importance of NAM given the current political and economic complexities at regional and global levels.
Bangladesh foreign minister assured her Iranian counterpart of Bangladesh’s support.
She thanked the Government of Iran for providing financial support of US$ 2.0 million for research facilities at the University of Dhaka. An memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries would be signed on August 31 in Tehran.
Bangladesh foreign minister requested her counterpart to consider lowering the tariff rate on hessian jute exported to Iran, re-opening of air services between Dhaka-Tehran and regularizing of overstaying Bangladesh nationals.
Iran foreign minister assured her of positive consideration of these matters. Both ministers emphasized on the expansion of trade and investment between the two countries.
They welcomed the scheduling of the next Joint Economic Commission meeting between Bangladesh and Iran in March 2013 in Dhaka. Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes, Bangladesh Ambassador to Iran Khondker Abdus Sattar, Additional Secretary Jishnu Roy Chowdhury and Director General Nazrul Islam accompanied the foreign minister during the meeting.
BBN/SSR/AD-01Sept12-10:05 am (BST)
