DHAKA, July 17, 2023 (BSS) - President Mohammed Shahabuddin today urged Switzerland to continue putting pressure on Myanmar for the safe, dignified and permanent repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas. 

He made the call when Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh, Reto Siegfried Renggli presented his credentials to him at Bangabhaban here today. 

The Head of State gratefully recalled Switzerland's cooperation over the Rohingya issue, President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin told BSS.

Welcoming the new ambassador, the President said Switzerland is making an important contribution to the socio-economic development and expansion of trade and investment in Bangladesh. 

Referring to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's visit to Switzerland in 1972, he said, Bangabandhu wanted to make 'Bangladesh the Switzerland of the East.' 

The President said Switzerland has been providing continuous support and cooperation for the last five decades as a development partner. 

The existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Switzerland will turn into trade investment and economic partnership, he hoped.

During the meeting, the ambassador said in the last 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Switzerland has been providing continuous support for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. 

He hoped that the relations between the two countries would reach a new height in various fields, including investment in the days to come. 

The ambassador sought cooperation during his assignment in Bangladesh. 

The President assured him of providing all necessary support in performing his duties here.

Earlier, on his arrival at Bangabhaban, a smartly turned-out contingent of the horse-mounted President Guard Regiment (PGR) gave the envoy guard of honour. Bangabhan secretaries were present on the occasion. 

After that, the newly appointed Ambassador of Bangladesh to Austria Asad Alam Siam paid a courtesy call on the President.