British High Commissioner and non-resident ambassadors of Congo, Belgium and Guatemala to Bangladesh separately presented their credentials to President M Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban on Tuesday (Mar 13).

The envoys are: British High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson, and non-resident ambassadors — Andre POH of Congo, Francois DELHAYE of Belgium and Geovani Rene Castillo Polanco of Guatemala.

Welcoming the envoys, President Hamid said Bangladesh always gives priority to the expansion of the bilateral relations in the field of trade, commerce and investment, President’s Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told BSS.

The head of the state hoped that the bilateral relations with these countries will further be expanded during their assignments in Bangladesh.

Terming Bangladesh a country of huge potentials, Abdul Hamid put emphasis on availing all possibilities in the interest of their respective countries and Bangladesh to bolster businesses and trade ties.

During the meeting with the British high commissioner, the President expressed gratitude to the people and the government of Britain for their political and advocacy supports during the 1971 Liberation War.

President Hamid also recalled the Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s visit to London soon after getting released from Pakistan jail and his meeting with the then British prime minister in 1972.

“The existing relations with Britain are excellent. The bilateral ties in different sectors, including commerce and investment, are increasing day by day,” the President said.

He stressed exchange of high-level visits of public and private sector representatives.

The President mentioned the existing excellent relations between the two countries and hoped that the bilateral relations would reach a new height in days to come.

The envoys sought the President’s cooperation in discharging their duties in Bangladesh.

Lauding the tremendous development in the country, especially in socio-economic sector, they assured that Bangladesh would be provided with necessary supports by their respective countries.

Secretaries concerned to the President and high officials of foreign ministry were present.

Earlier, on their arrival at Bangabhaban, a smartly turned-out contingent of the horse-mounted President Guard Regiment (PGR) gave the envoys guards of honour.