Nepal's President Vidyadevi Bhandari praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dynamic leadership, saying, "You are a great inspirational leader in the world."
"I am your fan," she said in a courtesy call on the Bangladesh Prime Minister at the Intercontinental Hotel in the capital on Monday (March 22) afternoon.
PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the media after the meeting.
The President of Nepal said Bangladesh has made significant progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh can be a role model for women's participation in national development activities.
"We want meaningful cooperation," she said.
The President of Nepal thanked the Prime Minister for providing immediate assistance to Bangladesh in times of need.
He thanked the Prime Minister for proposing to Nepal to use Bangladesh's port facilities and Syedpur Airport.
The President of Nepal stressed the need to enhance communication between BIMSTEC member states.
Noting that both countries are facing adverse effects of natural disasters, she said both countries can ensure maximum utilization of their resources in dealing with disasters.
The President of Nepal handed over two books, 'Unfinished Autobiography of Bangabandhu' and 'Prison Diary' translated into Nepali language to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina welcomed the President of Nepal on her visit to Bangladesh to attend the celebrations of Bangabandhu's birth centenary and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence.
The Prime Minister congratulated Vidya Devi Bhandari for supporting her country with the supply of arms to the freedom fighters during the War of Independence. She noted that climate change was a threat to Nepal.
The Prime Minister proposed to Nepal to use Chittagong and Mongla ports and Syedpur Regional Airport.
In this context, she said, "We are upgrading Syedpur Airport as a regional airport."
The Prime Minister emphasized on the signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries on the basis of mutual cooperation and priority in the field of trade. She also mentioned that the PTA agreement would be beneficial for both the countries.
She also emphasized on strengthening communication between BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) members, saying it would expand trade in the region.
The Prime Minister mentioned that a hydroelectric power plant could be set up in collaboration with Bangladesh, India and Nepal using Nepal's water resources.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, Health Minister Zahid Malek, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Ahmed Kaikaus and PMO Secretary Tofazzal Hossain Mia and Foreign Secretary Masood bin Momen were present in the meeting.
Also present were Usha Qian Bhandari, daughter of the President of Nepal, Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gewali and Ganga Prayad Upreti, Chancellor of the Nepal Academy.