Saarc, Asean ties to be integrated under Khaleda's leadership

Outgoing Filipino Ambassador Jose Lino B Guerrero made the remark when he had a farewell call on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her office yesterday.

Khaleda thanked the envoy for his country's active role in favour of Bangladesh to become a member of ARF (Asean Regional Forum).

ARF members at its last meeting in Laos this year agreed unanimously to include Bangladesh as its member, according to an official of Bangladesh Foreign Ministry.

"And Bangladesh expected that the consensus would be formally endorsed in July meeting of the ARF in Kuala Lumpur," the official said.

The Ambassador congratulated Khaleda on successfully hosting the 13th Saarc Summit in Dhaka and on her election as chairperson of the regional forum.

Dr Guerrero said massive interest has been generated internationally regarding Saarc with Afghanistan becoming new member and Japan and China observers.

The envoy appreciated Bangladesh's achievements in primary education, girl education and poverty reduction under the leadership of Khaleda which have been acclaimed regionally and internationally.

He also praised the communal harmony in Bangladesh, Saying: "The Filipino people also appreciate interfaith harmony in Bangladesh."

Khaleda recalled her meetings with the Filipino President on the sidelines of various international forums.

Resident missions between the two countries were set up after the visit of President Ziaur Rahman to Manila in 1980.

She invited President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo through the Ambassador to visit Bangladesh.