Bangladesh, Switzerland relations going from 'strength to strength’

The foreign minister has said that the relations with Switzerland have grown ‘strength to strength’ and the European country remains a “dependable friend” of Bangladesh.

“Switzerland remains a tested partner in our socio-economic development,” AH Mahmood Ali said at the celebration of the 45 years of diplomatic ties between the countries in Dhaka on Thursday.

The two countries established diplomatic ties on March 13 in 1972, the day when the European country recognised independent Bangladesh.

Switzerland was among the first countries to recognise independent Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is currently one of the priority countries of Switzerland regarding development cooperation. Trade ties are also growing rapidly, and the volume has more than doubled since 2010.

Since 2013, the foreign ministries of the two countries are holding regular political consultations. The third edition of the consultation is scheduled to take place in Switzerland this year.

The foreign minister said the two countries have witnessed a “sustained growth” in trade and investment and hope that new areas should be explored for the further expansion. 

He particularly mentioned SMEs and IT that he said can draw more attention in bilateral economic relations in near future.

He said the two countries also work “closely” in different international levels.

Ambassador Rene Holenstein also spoke at the occasion.

The Ambassador handed over a copy of a historic document dated March 13, 1972 to the foreign minister, which laid the foundation of the relations between the countries.

The document is a copy of the letter from the Swiss Confederation sent on April 13, 1972 to the government of Bangladesh informing the decision of the Swiss government to recognize Bangladesh as an independent country.

Senior government officials, international and development partners, business community, members of the civil society, Bangladeshi artists and cultural actors participated at the event, among others.