Spanish envoy calls on Shafiqur Rahman

Spanish Ambassador to Bangladesh Gabriel Maria Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru paid a courtesy call on Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday at his office in the National Parliament, marking the first official interaction between the two since Shafiqur assumed the post.

The meeting touched on a wide range of bilateral and domestic issues, according to a press release from the Parliament Secretariat.

The two sides exchanged views on Bangladesh’s overall political and economic situation following the national election and the recently passed national budget.

They also discussed ways to deepen the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Spain through enhanced trade, investment and development cooperation.

Discussions further covered the country’s contemporary political situation, expected institutional reforms, the proposed July National Charter, and ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.

The implementation of the national budget and the challenges surrounding the Rohingya crisis, along with possible solutions, also featured prominently in the talks.

Both sides underscored the importance of expanding bilateral trade, investment, development cooperation and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

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

For his part, the Spanish Ambassador expressed optimism that bilateral relations between the two countries would grow stronger and more multifaceted in the years ahead.

Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, MP, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Opposition Leader, and Ali Ahmad Mabrur, a member of the Opposition’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, were also present at the meeting.