President Mohammed Shahabuddin separately received credentials of envoys from three countries to Bangladesh at Bangabhaban here on Sunday.
The three non-resident ambassador-designate are : Diana Mickeviciene of the Republic of Lithuania in the Baltic region of Europe, Aliki Koutsomitopoulou of south-eastern European state Greece; and Leonard Mengezi of south-eastern African country Malawi.
Welcoming the envoys, the president said Bangladesh's foreign policy attaches importance to bilateral and friendly relations with all, his Press secretary, Md Joynal Abedin, told BSS after the meetings.
Noting that Bangladesh has always given priority to expanding bilateral relations in trade, commerce and investment, Shahabuddin hoped that bilateral relations with these countries would be further enhanced during the new envoys tenures in Dhaka.
Terming Bangladesh as a country with huge potential, the president urged the envoys to use all possibilities to embolden trade and commerce ties between Bangladesh and their respective countries.
He emphasised the high level of visit-exchange of both private and government representatives, including business communities and trade delegations, for promoting bilateral trade and investment among the countries.
Bangladesh produces world-standard-quality items, including medicines, ready-made garments (RMG), leather products, and jute & jute goods, he said, adding that the businessmen of Lithonia, Greece, and Malawi can consider importing top-quality products from Dhaka.
The head of state sought the European Union's support and cooperation so that Bangladesh could successfully attain the GSP+ trade benefits after its transition from an LDC to a developing country.
The envoys appreciated the positive developments in various sectors of Bangladesh and expressed interest in enhancing bilateral trade and investment relations.
They also sought the cooperation of the president in fulfilling their respective assignments in Dhaka.
Secretaries to the president's office and foreign ministry officials concerned were present
at the meetings.
Earlier, on their arrivals at Bangabhaban, a horse-mounted contingent of the Presidential Guard Regiment (PGR) gave 'honour guards' to the envoys as part of the official ceremony.
