Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said his country looks forward to strengthening defence and economic cooperation with Bangladesh, greeting its government marking the 50-year Australia-Bangladesh diplomatic relations.
"This year, we look forward to strengthening our defence and economic cooperation, and working towards our shared recovery from the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.
He said in a message marking the two country's 50-year diplomatic ties today (Monday), reports BSS citing the Australian High Commission in Dhaka.
Morrison said Australia and Bangladesh stand fast in their resolve to build a more secure, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
He said the Australia-Bangladesh Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement would be important in this course.
"This agreement will energise and expand our business relationship, strengthening jobs and creating business opportunities in both countries," he added.
Terming Bangladesh as a long-standing friend, he recalled that the two countries enduring partnership extends back to early recognition of Bangladesh's independence and the opening of our mission in Dhaka on 31 January 1972.
"Half a century on, our people continue to enjoy warm and friendly ties -built on mutual respect, community links and our shared democratic values," he said.
The Australian prime minister said they look forward to welcoming Bangladesh to Australia for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup later this year.