Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Monday reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and emphasised the continued significance of SAARC in promoting peace, stability, prosperity and shared development in South Asia.

He made the remarks when Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Md. Golam Sarwar on Monday paid a farewell courtesy call on him.

The Secretary General also met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.

The meetings highlighted a shared commitment to sustaining the momentum for regional cooperation in keeping with the vision of the founding leaders and the aspirations of the peoples of South Asia.

During his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur, the Secretary General expressed his appreciation for Bangladesh’s steadfast commitment to SAARC and exchanged views on the current state of the SAARC process and prospects for its revitalization.

In his meeting with the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Secretary General Sarwar highlighted Bangladesh’s historic and continuing contributions to SAARC and regional cooperation.

They exchanged views on enhancing practical cooperation among Member States and strengthening engagement in areas of common regional interest.

The State Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for revitalizing the SAARC process in accordance with the principles and objectives of the SAARC Charter.

During the meeting with the Foreign Secretary, Secretary General Sarwar discussed the importance of sustained engagement and dialogue among Member States for advancing the SAARC process.

They also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in areas including trade and investment, connectivity, food and energy security, agriculture, climate change, health and socio-economic development.

During the meetings, Secretary General Sarwar recalled with profound respect the visionary initiative of Late President Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh, whose visionary statesmanship led to the establishment of SAARC.

He highlighted Bangladesh’s pioneering role in shaping the SAARC vision and acknowledged its special contributions through hosting three historic SAARC Summits and numerous initiatives spearheaded by Bangladesh to enrich the SAARC process.

The Secretary-General extended his appreciation for Bangladesh’s steadfast commitment to the SAARC process, applauding the nation's championing of regional integration and its hosting of key institutions, including the SAARC Agriculture Centre and the South Asian Regional Standards Organization.

The Secretary General was accompanied by Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF), SAARC Secretariat, in the meetings.