Bangladesh, Nigeria seek stronger bilateral ties

Bangladesh and Nigeria have agreed that there is huge potential to forge stronger bilateral relations, especially in the fields of trade and commerce. Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, and the 6th largest oil-producer in the world.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria Md Shameem Ahsan recently discussed several bilateral issues with Foreign Minister of Nigeria Geoffery Onyeama at his office, confirmed the High Commission on Sunday.

The high commissioner also highlighted the genocide being perpetrated against the Rohingyas in Myanmar—and the generosity of spirit shown by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by hosting 1.1 million Rohingyas.

The Nigerian minister lauded the generosity and humanitarian support extended by Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh high commissioner thanked the Nigerian government for supporting the position of Bangladesh on the Rohingyas, especially in favour of the resolution on Myanmar at the UN General Assembly.

The minister said that the Nigerian government was considering opening a resident mission in Dhaka. 

On behalf of the foreign minister of Bangladesh, the high commissioner invited the foreign minister of Nigeria to visit Bangladesh, which he happily accepted. He then expressed his hope that he will visit at his earliest convenience.

The high commissioner conveyed greetings and best wishes to the Nigerian foreign minister on behalf of the foreign minister of Bangladesh. Both sides expressed their enthusiastic desire to strengthen and expand existing cordial bilateral relations.

The high commissioner outlined the tremendous achievements Bangladesh made in various sectors under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Ahsan specifically mentioned the recent launch of the first space satellite (Bangabandhu Satelite-1), and Bangladesh's attainment of the eligibility to graduate to developing country status—which the Minister deeply appreciated.

At the end of the meeting, the high commissioner handed the minister a copy of the book "The Unfinished MEMOIRS" written by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—along with a souvenir.