Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck met Bangladesh President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir during a brief transit stop in Dhaka on Wednesday, with the two leaders discussing bilateral relations and opportunities to deepen cooperation in trade, education and investment.
The Bhutanese King's special aircraft stopped at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for about an hour early Wednesday while travelling from Singapore to Bhutan. Alamgir received the monarch at the airport and held a courtesy meeting with him at the VVIP lounge.
The meeting came days after Alamgir took office as Bangladesh's 23rd president following his election by Parliament.
Invitations exchanged
During the meeting, the Bhutanese King congratulated Alamgir on assuming the presidency and extended his best wishes to the government and people of Bangladesh.
Alamgir, in turn, conveyed greetings to the King and the Bhutanese royal family on behalf of his country's government and people.
The Bangladesh President invited King Jigme Khesar and members of the royal family to undertake an official visit to Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. The Bhutanese monarch reciprocated by inviting Alamgir and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Bhutan.
The two leaders also discussed the longstanding relationship between their countries. Alamgir highlighted Bhutan's place in Bangladesh's history, recalling its early recognition of Bangladesh following the country's emergence in 1971.
He also referred to the goodwill shown towards Bangladesh by the present King's father, former Bhutanese King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Gelephu project discussed
Economic and developmental cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with the Bhutanese King calling for stronger engagement between the two countries in education, trade and investment.
King Jigme Khesar also briefed Alamgir on the Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan's ambitious development project near its border with India, and sought Bangladesh's participation and cooperation in the initiative.
Alamgir expressed interest in the project and said Bangladesh was prepared to work with Bhutan on transformative regional initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, prosperity and mutual benefit.
Bangladesh and Bhutan already cooperate in areas including trade, agriculture, healthcare, civil aviation, cultural exchanges and human resource development.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Bhutan's Ambassador to Bangladesh and senior Bangladesh government officials were present during the meeting.
The Bhutanese King's aircraft departed Dhaka for Bhutan at around 6.30 am after completing the brief stopover.