By M Masum Billah
In the 3rd Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Bhutan, held in Thimphu on April 19, significant strides were made in bolstering bilateral relations. Led by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen from Bangladesh and Foreign Secretary Pema Choden from Bhutan, the consultations delved into various aspects of collaboration, emphasizing mutual prosperity and cooperation.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the robust bilateral relations and pledged to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, commerce, health, investment, connectivity, power, energy, tourism, culture, and education. Of particular note was Bangladesh’s plea for Bhutan to rejoin the BBIN MVA framework, a move seen as pivotal for fostering people-to-people contact and regional prosperity.
A focal point of discussion was the issue of Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) for tourists, with Bangladesh advocating for a reduction in fees for Bangladeshi tourists. Bhutan conveyed a positive stance on this matter, indicating a willingness to consider the request, signaling a potential boon for tourism and fostering closer ties between the two nations.
Foreign Secretary Pema Choden of Bhutan emphasized the untapped potential in economic, cultural, and educational realms, advocating for a more robust trade and investment partnership with Bangladesh. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expedite the implementation of decisions and MoUs forged during the recent visit by the King of Bhutan to Bangladesh.
Regional issues also found a place on the agenda, with both countries expressing a shared desire to revitalize the SAARC and BIMSTEC processes, underlining their commitment to regional cooperation and stability.
On a more bilateral front, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen engaged in fruitful discussions with Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel, Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Royal Government of Bhutan, covering various mutual interests such as trade, investment, special economic zones, power sector cooperation, and regional collaboration in health and education.
The visit also saw Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen attending the National Day Reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Bhutan, further solidifying the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Moreover, inspection of the ongoing construction work of the Bangladesh Embassy in Thimphu underscored the commitment to strengthening physical infrastructure to support diplomatic endeavors.
The 3rd Foreign Office Consultations between Bangladesh and Bhutan not only served as a platform for diplomatic dialogue but also laid the groundwork for enhanced collaboration, marking a significant step forward in the enduring friendship between the two countries.
