Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, on Saturday, have decided to advance the process of signing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
The decision was taken at a bilateral meeting between the two countries where Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and visiting Lankan Prime Minister Mahindra Rajapakse led their respective sides.
The meeting highlighted the vast prospects of the expansion of bilateral trade through a free trade regime and to enhance connectivity, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told the media while briefing on the bilateral meeting, which was held in the Prime Minister’s Office.
In this regard both countries agreed to start feeder services between Chittagong and Colombo port and to commence coastal shipping services soon, the minister said.
After the meeting between the two premiers of both countries, signed six Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed and some others were renewed.
Momen also said, to further strengthen the bilateral ties, both sides have agreed to create a Joint Commission for Comprehensive Cooperation.
The Commission led by the foreign ministers of both the countries would work to expand the areas of the existing cooperation framework in different sectors.
In the meeting, Lankan Premier lauded Sheikh Hasina for her success in steering the country to be graduated from the LDC status to a developing one braving huge odds.
Earlier, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa paid tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing a wreath at his portrait on the premises of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city.
After placing the wreath, Rajapaksa stood there for some time in solemn silence as a mark of profound respect to the memory of the architect of the country's independence.
In his writing on the visitors book he said, “ I am deeply touched and moved by this sacred space so much venerated by the people of Bangladesh and all the peace loving people the world over," .
Mr Rajapakse also wrote, "The tragedy of Bangladesh that took place at this place on August 15, 1975, in many ways symbolises the courage and strength it infused in to the people of Bangladesh to protect and cherish the freedom for which Bangabandhu sacrificed his valued life. May this be an eternal tribute to all those who respect life and freedom."
Mr Rajapakse arrived at Dhaka on Friday morning on a two day visit to attend the Golden Jubilee celebration of independence of Bangladesh and Bangabandhu’s birth centenary.
He was the chief guest in the celebration programmes held at the National Parade Ground in the afternoon on Friday.
He also met President Abdul Hamid Advocate at Bangabhaban before leaving Dhaka on Saturday.
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