As Bangladesh continues to foster bilateral relations with other nations, it is encouraging to see Bangladesh and Vietnam express interest in strengthening their ties further.
During a recent visit, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam and outgoing Ambassador of Vietnam to Bangladesh Pham Viet Chien discussed the potential for future partnerships between the two countries, and agreed upon their mutual intention to deepen ties.
It is promising that both counties intend to explore more diversified avenues of collaboration, particularly in trade and investment, for mutually beneficial returns.
Bangladesh and Vietnam recently celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations, and have been strong allies to each other.
Vietnam has also been an active source of support in one of the biggest crises our country has faced in recent years -- the Rohingya crisis -- and can assist more proactively in the safe and immediate repatriation of Rohingya refugees in the near future.
Considering the similar histories of struggles and hardships of both friendly nations, deepened ties could prove to be even more fruitful, as the shared values of both countries could drive the partnership to newer heights.
Vietnam, like Bangladesh, has demonstrated impressive growth over the last decade, and is considered an emerging nation in the continent. As such, more trade and investment opportunities with Vietnam can help Bangladesh immensely, and this is an opportunity that we must not neglect.
It is with the help of its allies from across the world that Bangladesh has been able to achieve much of the great success it enjoys currently, and in order to reach the ambitious goals we have set for ourselves, it is imperative that we continue to foster and maintain bilateral relations with our neighbours.
