Spanish ambassador discusses bilateral ties with opposition leader

Spanish Ambassador to Bangladesh Gabriel Maria Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru made a courtesy call on Leader of the Opposition Md Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

The meeting marked the first official interaction between the opposition leader and the Spanish envoy since Shafiqur assumed office as leader of the opposition. It was held in a warm, cordial and friendly atmosphere, said a press release.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on Bangladesh’s overall political and economic situation following the national election, the recently passed national budget, and ways to further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Spain through enhanced trade, investment and development cooperation.

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They also discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including the country’s contemporary political situation, expected institutional reforms, the proposed July National Charter, and efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.

The implementation of the national budget, as well as the challenges and possible solutions to the Rohingya crisis, also featured prominently in the discussions. Both sides stressed the importance of expanding bilateral trade, investment, development cooperation and people-to-people contacts.

Shafiqur praised the longstanding friendly and cooperative relations between Bangladesh and Spain and expressed hope that Spain would continue its support for Bangladesh’s development and democratic progress. He also appreciated the Spanish government’s continued support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian.

The Spanish ambassador expressed optimism that the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Spain would become stronger and more multifaceted in the years ahead.

Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, member of parliament and foreign affairs adviser to the opposition leader, and Ali Ahmad Mabrur, a member of the Opposition’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, were present at the meeting.