Dhaka, 26 July 2018: Outgoing Belgian Ambassador Jan Luykx made his farewell call on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam MP in his office this afternoon. Ambassador Luykx was based in New Delhi, India with concurrent accreditation to Bangladesh as nonresident Ambassador.

While expressing satisfaction by the Ambassador Luykx over the volume of bilateral trade and investment relations, State Minister Shahriar Alam MP stressed on the untapped potential to further enhance the trade and investment. He opined that both the countries have lots of scope of cooperation in infrastructure development particularly in Port and energy sector.

Ambassador Luykx also informed that a Belgian trade delegation will visit Bangladesh in April 2019 after the general elections. He opined that Belgian companies are very much interested to be engaged in the development of ports in Bangladesh particularly construction of Payra port and development of Chattagram port, Power & energy sectors, infrastructure development etc.

The Ambassador also appreciated the transformation of Bangladesh to a developing and responsible nation in the last one decade especially in the last 4years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In the same vibe, State Minister requested the Belgian government through the Ambassador to consider reopening of their Embassy in Dhaka. He opined that reciprocal representation to each other’s capital will strengthen our cooperation and partnership in the realization of sustainable development goals.

Ambassador Luykx praised the role of Bangladesh government in response to the Rohingya influx after august 25 last year. State Minister, while briefing the Ambassador on the Rohingya situation, thanked Belgian government for their support in managing the Rohingya crisis and requested the Belgian government through the Ambassador Luykx to raise voice against Myanmar armed forces for its brutal oppression against Rohingya people and continue to mount pressure along with international community to ensure safe and sustainable return of Rohingya people to their ancestral home in Rakhine state in Myanmar.

During the call on, Ambassador Luykx was accompanied by Guillaume Choquet, Counsellor Economic Affairs of Belgian Embassy in New Delhi. Earlier on yesterday afternoon, he made his farewell call on the hon’ble President in Bangabhaban. He is scheduled to depart Dhaka on 27 July 2018.