Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina on Thursday underscored the need for mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to stop all kinds of smuggling, including human trafficking, in the region, reports UNB.

 

The PM expressed the view when visiting Sri Lankan Minister for External Affairs Professor G L Peiris met her at her office.

 

After the meeting, PM’s Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad briefed reporters.

 

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh attaches top priority to its relations with Sri Lanka, which is rooted in shared history and culture, and expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to further strengthen the existing friendly bilateral ties.

 

She said there is much scope to enhance cooperation in bilateral trade and connectivity, both in shipping and in air, for the mutual benefit of the two nations.

 

In this context, she also put emphasis on resumption of feeder service between Bangladesh and Sri Lankan ports.

 

Terming poverty alleviation as a prerequisite for development and lasting peace in the region, the PM said her government has been implementing various programmes to this end.

 

The poverty level has come down significantly due to various pragmatic steps her government has taken over the last four years, Hasina said, adding that the country has almost achieved self-sufficiency in food.

 

During the meeting, the Prime Minister requested the Sri Lankan Minister to increase the import of world-class pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh.

 

PM’s Principal Secretary Shaikh Md Wahid Uz Zaman, PMO Secretary Molla Waheeduzzaman and Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad were present. (FE)