Bangladesh and Bhutan today stressed the need to revitalise SAARC to advance regional integration and ensure collective benefits for the peoples of South Asia.

The issue was discussed when Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Pema Lektup Dorji called on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here, according to a ministry’s press release.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed various issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on regional cooperation and economic engagement.

Shama recalled the vision of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman for regional cooperation, noting that he had mooted the idea of establishing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Against this backdrop, the two sides emphasised the importance of reinvigorating the regional grouping to foster greater integration and deliver collective benefits to the peoples of South Asia.

The State Minister also appreciated Bhutan's Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) initiative and underscored the need for expeditious operationalisation of the Bhutanese Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kurigram.

She expressed hope that the two special zones, once operational, would complement each other and help advance mutually beneficial economic engagement between Bangladesh and Bhutan.

Shama said the initiatives could contribute to expanding bilateral trade and investment, generating employment and strengthening connectivity between the two neighbouring countries.

The Bhutanese Foreign Secretary is on a three-day visit to Dhaka to attend the Fourth Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Bhutan, which was held earlier today.