<div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Bangladesh has stressed on direct shipping connectivity with Sri Lanka and resumption of negotiations for early conclusion of preferential trade agreement (PTA) between the two countries.</b></span><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen met his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry on Wednesday evening, on the eve of the 22nd Ministerial Meeting of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The two foreign ministers discussed the wide spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed hope to work closely for their countries and inclusive development of the region.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Momen requested to boost trade relations between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka through increased export of agricultural products and pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh at an affordable price.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The foreign minister of Sri Lanka assured that his country is also looking forward to working together with Bangladesh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The two leaders agreed to expedite forming an institutional platform to hold regular and comprehensive dialogues between the countries at the foreign minister level.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The issue of mutual support for each other’s candidature at various international fora was also discussed with due importance.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Foreign Minister Momen also sought support of Sri Lanka in repatriating the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Ali Sabry arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon to attend the 22nd ministerial meeting of IORA.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Earlier, he also met the state minister for shipping.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ali Sabry is expected to call on the prime minister of Bangladesh along with other ministerial delegation from other member states of IORA and leave Dhaka on November 26. UNB</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>