Mahbub Uz zaman, Ambassador of Bangladesh to China with concurrent accreditation to Mongolia and the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) presented his credentials to President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa on Wednesday.
Ambassador Mahbub had met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia Ms. BATTSETSEG BATMUNKH
At the meeting marked by candour and warmth, the entire gamut of the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Mongolia including issues of mutual interest were discussed.
The Ambassador in his meeting with the Foreign Minister of Mongolia said that the government under the leadership and direction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is on track to achieve developed country status by the year 2041.
The Ambassador said that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had led the foundations of Bangladesh’s foreign policy. Bangladesh believes in a policy of friendship towards all and malice towards none as enunciated by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The Ambassador said that with prudent macroeconomic management aided by strong economic fundamentals Bangladesh can now boast of a robust economy advancing on a positive growth trajectory.
He added that with enhanced capacities and a burgeoning economy, Bangladesh seeks partnerships with friendly countries on equal terms.
In this respect, he emphasized the imperative need to forge greater cooperation between Bangladesh and Mongolia based on complementarities of resources and integration of supply chains and thereby creating a win-win situation.
The Foreign Minister of Mongolia expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation existing between Bangladesh and Mongolia at the UN bodies and the Multilateral Institutions.
The Foreign Minister of Mongolia conveyed her sincere gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh for cosponsoring the resolution sponsored by Mongolia on “International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, 2026” adopted by the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly.
The Mongolian Foreign Minister also expressed deep appreciation for Bangladesh’s support for Mongolia’s candidacy in the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the year 2021-24.
She reiterated Mongolia’s support for Bangladesh’s candidature at the Human Rights Council for the year 2023.
Reciprocating the warm sentiments, Ambassador Mahbub said that in the crucial area of climate change and the environment Bangladesh as Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and V 20 is promoting the interests of the 55 climate vulnerable countries including Mongolia.
The Ambassador mentioned that Bangladesh is sharing her best practices and adaptation knowledge regionally.
The Foreign Minister of Mongolia mentioned that the year 2022 is special as she celebrates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Bangladesh. She mentioned that Mongolia in collaboration with Bangladesh will organize joint cultural events and exchange of visits between the two countries.
She also mentioned the plan to hold a Mongolian Film and Cultural Festival during this special year in Bangladesh.
Regarding trade and investment promotion, she agreed that the exchange of business and trade delegations has a positive impact on trade and investment.
In this regard, she said that Mongolia will take necessary measures so that Bangladesh is included in the list of countries eligible for Mongolia's online e-visa program. She remarked that this would allow the Bangladeshi visa applicants to apply online and get a visa on arrival. This would also promote tourism and people-to-people contact between the two countries, she mentioned.
Responding to a query, she agreed to give favourable consideration to a scheme for exemption of visa requirements for Bangladeshi diplomatic and official passport holders on a reciprocal basis.
The formal presentation of credentials to the President of Mongolia was held at the State Place. The presentation ceremony was marked by a colourful ceremony with the ambassador arriving in a motorcade.
Ambassador Mahbub was given a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Mongolian Armed Forces.
Ambassador Mahbub was accompanied at the credentials ceremony by his spouse Shahreen Murshed and Second Secretary Parul Dewan.
The presentation ceremony marked the formal acceptance by the government of Mongolia of Mahbub Uz Zaman as the current Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Mongolia.
After the presentation of the credentials, a courtesy meeting was held between the President of Mongolia and the Ambassador of Bangladesh where the high officials of the Mongolian government were present.
During the meeting, the President of Mongolia congratulated the Ambassador for assuming his post as the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Mongolia.
He expressed high hopes that Bangladesh-Mongolia relations will gain further momentum during his tenure.
In reply, the Ambassador of Bangladesh conveyed his deep appreciation to the government of Mongolia for organizing the credentials ceremony.
During the meeting, the Ambassador of Bangladesh conveyed the greetings and warm wishes to the President of Mongolia from the President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
The Ambassador flagged out that 2022 is an important year for Mongolia and Bangladesh, as the year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He said that Bangladesh remembers with gratitude that Mongolia recognized Bangladesh in June 1972 and was among the first five countries that recognized Bangladesh.
Ambassador Mahbub said that Bangladesh values its relations with Mongolia. To celebrate the event he suggested that the two countries through mutual discussions could chalk out a series of programs and events commemorating the landmark event.
Ambassador Mahbub said that there exists huge scope and potential to further expand and diversify cooperation in the vital areas of trade, commerce, and investment.
He urged Mongolian business persons to invest in Bangladesh and take advantage of its favourable location including its low-cost production base He further expressed his determination to do his utmost during his tenure to build up a strong foundation and base upon which bilateral relations can be further consolidated.
The President of Mongolia recalled the friendly ties existing between the two countries. He conveyed through the Ambassador his warm greetings to the President of Bangladesh and Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
The President of Mongolia assured the Ambassador of the full support and cooperation of the Government of Mongolia so that the Ambassador can successfully discharge his duties during his tenure.
The event marked a significant turning point for the consolidation of bilateral relations between the two countries.
