Bangladesh, Germany can form partnerships based on technology, knowledge: Minister

Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali has said Bangladesh and Germany can form “innovative and mutually beneficial partnerships” based on technology and knowledge.

He was speaking at a reception in Dhaka on Wednesday marking the anniversary of German unification.

The celebrations are held on Oct 3, but the reception was held back to enable visiting German ministers join the function.

German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Gerd Muller and his deputy Hans-Joachim Fuchtel ended a two-day visit on Wednesday.

The foreign minister, highlighting historic links between the two people, said Bangladesh deeply valued Germany’s “growing interest and continued engagement” in South Asia.

“Bangladesh does not consider Germany merely as a key destination of products for trade, it is a most valued partner in economic cooperation."

He said it could be developed further.

“We strongly believe, Germany, with its admirable economic prowess and technology, and Bangladesh, with its trainable, industrious and continually innovative young people, skill-oriented and knowledge-centric partnerships can forge mutually beneficial cooperation.”

He recalled the recent joint visit of German and French foreign ministers to Bangladesh, and said the visit of the minister for development would add “further dynamism” to the relations and translate into “more concrete engagements”.

He said the day of German unity was a source of inspiration for the unity and peace-loving people around the world.

“Germany and Bangladesh have been working together based on the principles of democracy, secularism and social justice.

 “Our interactions and workings, including at the UN, have been based on a deeper understanding of and respect for each others’ values, principles and approaches,” he said.

The German economic cooperation minister earlier in the day visited garment factories in Gazipur and spoke with workers.

He arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday with a 10-member delegation, including three journalists, by a special German Air Force flight.

Muller met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before leaving in the evening, the foreign ministry said.