The embassy of Switzerland in Dhaka, in collaboration with the Bangladesh foreign ministry, organised a ceremony to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the European country on Thursday night. Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali attended the programme as chief guest, while Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor was present as special guest at the programme held at a hotel in the capital, according to a press release forwarded by the Swiss embassy.

Welcoming the guests and dignitaries, Swiss ambassador René Holenstein highlighted that Switzerland has been a committed and longstanding partner of Bangladesh introducing innovative ideas and solutions over the years.

The foreign minister said that the strong relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect and trust. Main attractions of the event were video and on-stage presentations of young people of Bangladesh and Switzerland sharing their aspirations for the future.

Eminent Bangladeshi personalities responded and confirmed many aspirations in this intergenerational exchange. Culture has been an important element for Switzerland and Bangladesh during the 45 years of relationship.

On the occasion, the cultural affairs minister, together with ambassador Holenstein, launched a photography book “Focus on Culture” published

by the Swiss Embassy in close cooperation with young Bangladeshi artists.

While launching the photobook, the minister said it is his strong conviction that a diverse and vibrant cultural sector contributes to the development and the promotion of peace in society and brings people and nations closer together. At the ceremony, ambassador Holenstein handed over to the foreign minister a historic document, which is a copy of the letter from the Swiss confederation sent on April 13, 1972 to the government of Bangladesh informing the decision of the Swiss government to recognise Bangladesh as an independent country.