Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen in a phone call yesterday spoke with the Indonesian Foreign Minister Mrs. Retno L P Marsudi. The two Foreign Ministers expressed deep satisfaction at the existing excellent bilateral cooperation between the two countries and vowed to further strengthen the relations in depth and dimensions.

Dr. Momen observed that Bangladesh has been enjoying brotherly and cordial relationship with Indonesia since independence. Both the Ministers agreed to celebrate the 50th year of the diplomatic ties this year in a befitting manner.

Dr. Momen noted with satisfaction on the rising trend in bilateral trade and commerce between Bangladesh and Indonesia in recent years. In this connection, he emphasized on an expeditious conclusion of the proposed Bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement for further enhancement of trade and commerce between the two countries, preferably during this year that marks a watershed in the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Indonesia. He also stressed on reducing the imbalance existing in the bilateral trade by increasing Indonesian imports from Bangladesh.

Reciprocating the sentiment of Dr. Momen, Mrs. Marsudi noted with profound satisfaction the fact that Bangladesh- Indonesia bilateral relations was growing from strength to strength and laid importance on further political and economic collaboration for taking the relations to a new level.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister thanked Indonesia for their humanitarian support extended to the Rohingyas and sought political support from Indonesia on the repatriation issue. He requested for Indonesia’s and ASEAN’s continued support in bringing about a sustainable and permanent solution to this protracted crisis.

Dr. Momen further highlighted that Bangladesh wishes to have greater interaction with ASEAN since there are vibrant trade relations with some members of ASEAN and the potential synergy is evident. The Bangladesh Foreign Minister sought Indonesian support to Bangladesh’s candidature for ASEAN’s Sectoral Dialogue Partner. The Indonesian Foreign Minister, while expressing her support for Bangladesh’s candidature, suggested for fostering a greater engagement with the member countries of the ASEAN in this regards.

Both the Foreign Ministers exchanged greetings of the New Year and promised to remain in close touch.