Spain wants 'More In-depth Cooperation' with Bangladesh: Envoy

Spanish Ambassador to Bangladesh Francisco de Ass Bentez Salas has said Madrid is ready to go into "More In-depth Cooperation" as Bangladesh and Spain are reviewing their 50-year bilateral relationship.

"It is a graduation day of our bilateral relations (with Bangladesh), in 50 years, we have gone from LDC-Long Distance Contracts - and are ready to go into MIC -More In-Depth Cooperation," he said.

The envoy was addressing a celebration event marking the 50-year anniversary of the establishment of Bangladesh-Spain bilateral relations in the capital on Thursday evening as on May 12 in 1972, the Western European nation recognised the newly independent Bangladesh.

"Fifty years ago, Bangabandhu was there, leading his people into the future in very difficult circumstances, right after the War of Liberation," the ambassador said adding that Spain recognises and commends the "unrivalled and unparalleled miracle" of Bangladesh in only 50 years.

The envoy said Bangladesh has successfully claimed very high in so many fields of development, progress and international projection under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

During these 50 years, he said, Bangladesh and Spain have enjoyed excellent relations of deeply-rooted friendship based on the shared values of democracy, human rights and constant aspiration of the two countries' people towards economic and social development.

The ambassador, however, said many unexplored areas and resources between Bangladesh and Spain are still yet to be untapped.

"That is our common challenge. So, I propose that the joint Bangladesh-Spain Exploring party gets ready for action ... the potential to be found is immense," he said.

Regarding Bangladesh's upcoming graduation from Least Developed Country to Middle Income Country, the envoy said, Bangladesh would be graduating with honour.

Railway Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Mahbub Ali and Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh were present at the programme among other dignitaries.

On the occasion, the ambassador handed over the "Officer's Cross of the Royal Order of the Civil Merit" that Spanish King has graciously awarded to Envoy Group chairman Kutubbudin Ahmed, a prominent member of the Bangladesh business community for his significant contribution to Bangladesh-Spain ties.