Ambassador Chuard said Switzerland and Bangladesh have enjoyed deeply rooted and forward-looking relations for almost five decades. Confident that the two countries will continue to explore new avenues of cooperation, particularly on trade, investment and the Sustainable Development Goals, she said it will be her objective to further strengthen and broaden the ties between the two nations. Reiterating the Swiss commitment for multilateralism, Ambassador Chuard informed the Prime Minister about Switzerland’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2023-2024 period.
Shortly after establishing diplomatic relations, the Government of Switzerland hosted the “Father of the Nation of Bangladesh” for a convalescent stay. During today’s meeting, Ambassador Chuard handed over to the Prime Minister a historic photograph capturing Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s arrival in Geneva on 21 August, 1972.
The two countries nurture good and longstanding relations based on solidarity, respect and partnership. Humanitarian assistance and development cooperation were the cornerstones of the bilateral ties in the early days. While they remain a priority, the two countries are also increasingly focusing on expanding multilateral cooperation as well as trade and investment, which have grown rapidly in recent years.
Switzerland will also continue to work with the Government and people of Bangladesh to provide shelter, protection and assistance to the Rohingya refugees, and to constructively engage on a wide array of topics of mutual interest, including democratic governance and human rights. To help Bangladesh manage and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, Switzerland has committed over 8 million Swiss Francs (or 70 crore BDT) and is working with public and civil society actors to implement over 20 response and recovery projects across the country. Switzerland will continue to partner with Bangladesh as the country re-embarks on its impressive socio-economic transformation and continues its journey towards LDC graduation and the Sustainable Development Goals.
