Online Desk:The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of South Africa Ms. KC Mashego Dlamini met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Md. Shahriar Alam at State Guest House Padma in Dhaka on Tuesday.

The delegation members, comprising high officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Africa and South African High Commission in New Delhi, were also present at the meeting.

The Deputy Minister of South Africa Ms. KC Mashego Dlamini is on a bilateral visit to Dhaka as well as to join the IORA COM (Indian Ocean Rim Association Council of Ministers) to be held in Dhaka. Secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and other officials of the Ministry were present from Bangladesh side.

The State Minister welcomed the visiting delegation in Dhaka. He mentioned the supreme sacrifice and lifelong struggle of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and President Mandela for the emancipation of the common people. He suggested that South African entrepreneurs may invest in our high-tech parks and establish cooperation in agriculture, IT and climate change areas.

Ms. Dlamini mentioned that pharmaceuticals, textiles and blue economy are also potential areas of cooperation. She underscored the need for exchange of visits of business delegations between Bangladesh and South Africa.

The State Minister mentioned that Bangladesh and South Africa are cooperating in common platform like impacts of climate change. He said that Bangladesh is committed to social development agenda like women empowerment and is championing the agenda in international platforms apart from making dedicated efforts in Bangladesh.

Shahriar Alam urged the South African side to open a South African Consulate in Dhaka. In response, Ms. Dlamini stated that South Africa is considering establishing a Consular office in Dhaka. He thanked the South African Minister for their support extended to Bangladeshi citizens living in South Africa.  He underscored the need for introduction of direct air connectivity and regular official contacts.

Earlier, the South African delegation visited the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi. The delegation also met with FBCCI officials and held discussions.

Both sides agreed to celebrate the 30- year anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations in a befitting manner.