Moon Desk: Today, H.E. Dr. Zokey Ahad, non-resident High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Republic of Seychelles presented his credentials to His Excellency Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, the President of the Republic of Seychelles in a humble ceremony at the State House. Dr. Ahad replaces H.E. Rezina Ahmed who as accredited since 06 August 2019.
Following the presentation of credentials, the President congratulated and very warmly welcomed H. E. Dr. Zokey Ahad while accepting the letter of Credence as the non-resident High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the Republic of Seychelles. The President whished the High Commissioner all the success during his tenure onwards and conveyed his good wishes to the Hon’ble President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh. The President said that Seychelles always values the existing relations between Bangladesh and Seychelles. The President has expressed its solidarity with the People’s of Bangladesh and conveyed its sincere condolences over the victims of the traggic Bangladesh Air Force Aircraft that crashed into a school building in Dhaka.
In reply, the High Commissioner H.E. Dr. Zokey Ahad conveyed the warm greetings of the Hon’ble President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the President of the Republic of Seychelles. He expressed his gratitude to the Government of Seychelles for extending warm welcome and cordial cooperation since his arrival in Seychelles. He assured his best effort in strengthening the existing friendly relations between the two countries and promoting bilateral relations and cooperation to a new level.
High Commissioner seized this opportunity to inform the President about socio-economic developments taking place in Bangladesh and briefed him commendable achievements in RMG, Pharmaceuticals, Jute, Leather and other industrial sectors of Bangladesh.
He also appreciated the Government of Seychelles for recruiting workers from Bangladesh in their industries and agriculture sectors. Both also expressed their hopes that the two governments will explore new avenues of cooperation for the mutual benefit of their countries in the days to come.
During the ceremony, they discussed on several constructive bilateral issues. They both agreed to work together in future for developing trade, business and investment. President Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan acknowledged that the development of Bangladesh is conspicuous, at the same time, he anticipated that Seychelles may attain their target by sharing the experience of Bangladesh.
H.E. Dr. Ahad said Bangladesh is interested in developing its Blue economy sector but as it does not have expertise and technology it is interested in learning from Seychelles and to increase cooperation in that area.
Dr. Ahad extended an invitation from the Hon’ble President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the President of the Republic of Seychelles to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.
During the ceremony, Senior officers from the State House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Seychelles were present. Mr. Md. Jahangir Alam, First Secretary (Political) & HOC also attended the ceremony followed by guard of honour.
Dr. Ahad joined the Bangladesh Mission in Port Louis, Mauritius on 09 June 2024. A career diplomat, Dr. Zokey Ahad belongs to the 17th batch of BCS (Foreign Affairs) Cadre. Joining the service in 1998, he has served extensively both at home and abroad. In his distinguished diplomatic career, he has served in various capacities in Bangladesh Missions in Beijing, The Hague, Manchester, Kolkata and Kunming.
Meeting with H.E. Mr. Ahmed AFIF, Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles : On the same day, H.E. Dr. Zokey Ahad, High Commissioner paid a courtesy call on the Vice President H.E. Mr. Ahmed AFIF. They both discussed whole gamut of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Seychelles.
Meeting with H.E. Mrs. Patricia FRANCOURT, Minister for Employment and Social Affairs : On the same day, H.E. Dr. Zokey Ahad, High Commissioner paid a courtesy call on the H.E. Mrs. Patricia FRANCOURT, Minister for Employment and Social Affairs. The two sides exchanged views on developing Bangladesh- Seychelles relations and deepening exchanges and cooperation between the labour and employment related issue of the two countries. They discussed issues of mutual interest including exchanges of high-level visits and labour recruiting issues. While discussing labour issues the High Commissioner of Bangladesh emphasised on the importance of recruiting more skilled, semiskilled and unskilled manpower from Bangladesh.
