‘Sheikh Hasina is a role model for the whole world’
Nepal's President Vidya Devi Bhandari has described Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a "role model" for South Asia and the whole world. She further said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a shining example of a country that can be developed in spite of all adversities if the political leadership wants.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen made the remarks at a press conference on Tuesday (March 23) at the Foreign Service Academy on the President's visit to Nepal.
He said Nepal's President Vidya Devi Bhandari visited Bangladesh as the country's first president. Vidya Devi Bhandari delivered the 'Bangabandhu Memorial Lecture' as a special guest on the occasion of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence.
The traditional performance of a cultural group from Nepal enthralled the gathering. During the visit, four bilateral instruments were signed between Bangladesh and Nepal on various issues.
In the meeting held between the two leaders emphasized on harnessing the huge potential for expansion of bilateral trade. The signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Nepal and Bangladesh is currently in the final stages. If it is signed, bilateral trade will greatly increase. We hope the agreement will be signed soon.
President Bhandari called upon Bangladesh to import hydropower generated in Nepal. Meetings of the steering committee at the secretary level and the executive committee on power generation and distribution have already been held under a memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries in 2018 to expand cooperation in the field of hydropower. Both sides expressed hope for increased cooperation in the hydropower sector in the future. During the Prime Minister's visit to India in 2010, it was announced that Bangladesh's seaports would be accessible to landlocked Nepal and Bhutan. Nepal is interested in using Chattogram, Mongla and Payra seaports. In this case, the two countries have agreed to take forward the work of determining opportunities.
Nepal has expressed interest in using Bangladesh's inland shipping network. Besides, Nepal is also interested in establishing direct air links between Syedpur Airport in Bangladesh and Biratgarh / Bhadrapur in Nepal. Bangladesh welcomed the two proposals.