Iranian Ambassador meets President

Iran's Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban on Thursday, September 10.

During the meeting, the President said Bangladesh attaches great importance to its long-standing friendly and fraternal relations with Iran, built on deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties.

He said the creative works and literature of renowned Persian poets and thinkers such as Ferdowsi, Sheikh Saadi, Hafiz and Jalaluddin Rumi have had a profound influence on the thoughts and culture of the people of this region. The President also mentioned the affection for the people of Iran reflected in the poems and songs of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Expressing deep concern over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the President said, "This conflict in the Middle East has pushed import-dependent countries like Bangladesh into a severe energy crisis."

He reiterated Bangladesh's principled position on resolving disputes through dialogue, understanding and diplomatic efforts.

The President expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in Iran in the Middle East conflict. He also reiterated Bangladesh's condemnation of Israeli attacks on Iranian soil in violation of Iran's sovereignty and international law.

The President also emphasised the unity of the Muslim Ummah for world peace and stability.

During the meeting, the Iranian ambassador handed over a congratulatory letter from the Iranian President to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on his election as President of Bangladesh.

The ambassador praised Bangladesh's constructive role in de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. He also gratefully recalled the participation of the Speaker of Bangladesh's National Parliament in the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Iranian ambassador also expressed hope that Bangladesh and Iran would work together to further strengthen bilateral relations in various fields.

The President assured the ambassador of full cooperation in discharging his duties. He also expressed hope that his tenure would make an important contribution to further strengthening Bangladesh-Iran relations.

Secretaries of the President's Office, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and senior officials of the Iranian Embassy were present at the meeting.