In a bilateral meeting held at the newly inaugurated Bangladesh-Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Room in the FAO Headquarters during the UN Food Systems Summit in Rome, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extended a generous offer to her Nepalese counterpart, Pushpa Kamal Dahal. During the meeting, which took place on Monday (July 24), PM Hasina expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to allow Nepal access to its recently constructed Payra port, in addition to the already available Chalna and Chittagong ports. Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen confirmed the offer while addressing the press.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s commitment to regional development, PM Hasina emphasized the ongoing efforts to transform the Sayedpur airport into a pivotal regional hub, aimed at enhancing connectivity within the region. In response, the Nepalese premier commended the remarkable progress achieved by Bangladesh under PM Hasina’s successful leadership, acknowledging her as a prominent figure in the region.
Discussions also revolved around Nepal’s vast potential for hydroelectricity generation, a subject that deeply interests both nations. PM Hasina assured Nepal of Bangladesh’s intention to import renewable energy, particularly hydroelectricity, following the upcoming trilateral power trade involving Nepal, Bangladesh, and India, which is set to begin with a 40MW power transfer.
Touching upon the educational aspect of their bilateral relations, PM Dahal praised the significant number of Nepalese students pursuing their studies in Bangladesh, further strengthening the ties between the two countries.
The meeting exemplified the shared commitment of Bangladesh and Nepal to foster mutual growth and cooperation, laying the groundwork for a prosperous and interconnected region. With the offer of Payra port usage, Bangladesh seeks to bolster trade and transportation links, fostering stronger ties with its neighboring nation. As both leaders continue to engage in constructive dialogues, their efforts are poised to elevate the region’s economic prospects and facilitate a brighter future for their people.
