South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has emphasized the importance of finding new ways to deepen relations between Dhaka and Seoul, describing Bangladesh as a valued partner in Asia. He made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the credentials of Bangladesh’s newly appointed ambassador, Taufiq Islam Shatil, at the presidential office in Seoul.

According to a message received in Dhaka, the ceremony was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, underscoring the spirit of friendship that has long characterized relations between the two countries. Following the presentation of credentials, the ambassador paid a courtesy call on the South Korean President, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, Ambassador Shatil conveyed greetings on behalf of the President of Bangladesh and the Chief Adviser, extending best wishes for the continued prosperity of South Korea under President Lee’s leadership. In return, President Lee expressed his appreciation and conveyed warm greetings to Bangladesh’s leadership, noting his country’s readiness to explore new avenues of collaboration.

Ambassador Shatil described South Korea as one of Bangladesh’s closest friends and an important development partner. He expressed his determination to work towards advancing bilateral ties in diverse fields, ranging from trade and investment to technology and cultural exchanges. Highlighting the existing cooperation between the two nations, he said that there was significant potential to elevate the partnership to new heights.

He also expressed Bangladesh’s gratitude for South Korea’s continued humanitarian support to the forcibly displaced Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh. The ambassador acknowledged Seoul’s steadfast assistance in addressing one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in the region, praising its commitment to alleviating the suffering of vulnerable communities.

The envoy further commended President Lee’s broader vision of enhancing South Korea’s engagement with southern nations, particularly in South Asia. He noted that Bangladesh, with its growing economy and strategic location, is well positioned to play an important role in this outreach. The ambassador underscored the opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure development, technology transfer, and renewable energy, sectors in which South Korea holds significant expertise.

President Lee, in turn, emphasized his country’s interest in building on the historical bonds of friendship with Bangladesh. He expressed hope that under Ambassador Shatil’s tenure, relations between the two countries would be taken to a deeper level of mutual understanding and benefit. He also highlighted South Korea’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s ongoing development journey, noting that greater collaboration in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges would serve the interests of both nations.

In the course of the discussion, the ambassador extended an invitation to President Lee to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time in the future. Such a visit, he noted, would not only reaffirm the friendship between the two countries but also open doors to new and pragmatic areas of cooperation. President Lee welcomed the idea and said he looked forward to opportunities that would allow him to further strengthen ties with Bangladesh.

Diplomatic observers noted that the meeting comes at a time when Bangladesh is actively seeking to diversify its partnerships and expand its global engagement. South Korea has long been regarded as a vital partner in Bangladesh’s industrialization process, particularly in the ready-made garment sector, where Korean investment and expertise have played a significant role since the early 1980s.

In recent years, South Korean companies have also shown interest in Bangladesh’s infrastructure, telecommunications, and energy sectors. At the same time, tens of thousands of Bangladeshi workers are employed in South Korea under the Employment Permit System, contributing to both the Korean economy and remittance flows to Bangladesh. The strengthening of bilateral relations, therefore, holds considerable economic as well as social importance.

Both sides also discussed the importance of continuing to foster cultural and educational exchanges, with South Korea’s growing popularity among Bangladeshi youth and the increasing presence of Bangladeshi students in Korean universities serving as positive trends. The ambassador reiterated Bangladesh’s willingness to expand such people-to-people interactions, describing them as the foundation of lasting friendship.

As the formalities of the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere reflected a mutual recognition of the value of the partnership and the need to explore fresh pathways for cooperation. The ambassador’s presentation of credentials marked not only the start of his official duties in Seoul but also a renewed opportunity for both countries to deepen their engagement in a rapidly changing global environment.

The meeting, though brief, conveyed a powerful message of shared commitment to advancing ties between Bangladesh and South Korea. Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring that the relationship evolves in a way that benefits their peoples while contributing to regional peace, prosperity, and stability.