REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Government of Bangladesh has praised Indonesia's role in the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in resolving the Rohingya issue. Ambassador of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to Indonesia Major General Azmal Kabir delivered the statement in his remarks at the 47th anniversary of the nation's Independence Day here on Monday night (Mar 26).
The ambassador remarked that the Government of Bangladesh also lauded Indonesia for providing humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas, including setting up a health camp in Cox Bazar. The ambassador further noted that the sound bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Indonesia had been established since the South Asian nation gained independence on December 16, 1971.
"Indonesia was among the first countries to recognize Bangladesh's independence in February 1972. As a mark of friendship, the two countries opened diplomatic missions in May 1972," Ambassador Kabir remarked.
According to the ambassador, the two fellow countries have, since then, not only established bilateral relations but also built understanding at the leadership level and others, including in the fields of trade and people-to-people contacts.
The relationship between both nations has increased in recent years, with bilateral trade reaching more than US$1.5 billion, while relations between businesses and communities of both nations continue to strengthen every year.
On January 27-29, 2018, Indonesian President Joko Widodo had undertaken a state visit to Bangladesh and witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding and agreements.