Lecture on Commemorating the Silver Jubilee of Diplomatic Relations between South Africa and Bangladesh on 04 September 2019

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a lecture under its Eminent Persons Lecture Series (EPLS) titled "Commemorating the Silver Jubilee of Diplomatic Relations between South Africa and Bangladesh" on 04 September 2019 at the BIISS Auditorium.

H. E. Ambassador Dr Anil Sooklal, Deputy Director General for Asia and the Middle East, Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Republic of South Africa, delivered the Eminent Person's Lecture as the Guest Speaker. Major General AKM Abdur Rahman, ndc, psc, Director General of BIISS, inaugurated the programme with his welcome address, while Mr Md Shahidul Haque, Foreign Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh, chaired the session and delivered the concluding remarks.

In his welcome address, Major General AKM Abdur Rahman highlighted the significance of celebrating the Silver Jubilee of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and South Africa. He noted that the friendship between the two countries is founded on shared ideals of freedom, justice, democracy, and human dignity. Paying tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Nelson Mandela, he observed that the visionary leadership of these two iconic figures continues to inspire both nations in their pursuit of peace, development, and social justice. He also recalled President Nelson Mandela's historic visit to Bangladesh in March 1997, describing it as a milestone in strengthening bilateral relations.

Delivering the keynote lecture, H. E. Ambassador Dr Anil Sooklal reflected on the evolution of Bangladesh–South Africa relations over the past twenty-five years and highlighted the considerable scope for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, science and technology, agriculture, tourism, maritime affairs, and cultural exchanges. He emphasised that both countries, as important voices of the Global South, should work closely to promote inclusive development, sustainable economic growth, and equitable international governance.

The Guest Speaker further underscored the importance of South–South cooperation in addressing common global challenges and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He noted that Bangladesh and South Africa share common interests and cooperate actively in several multilateral forums, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Commonwealth, and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Strengthening collaboration within these platforms, he remarked, would contribute to regional stability, economic resilience, and collective prosperity.

The lecture was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, policymakers, academics, researchers, military officials, representatives of think tanks, media professionals, students from various universities, and representatives of international organisations. During the interactive discussion session, participants exchanged valuable views, comments, and recommendations on the future direction of Bangladesh–South Africa relations and the growing importance of South–South cooperation in an evolving global order.

In his concluding remarks, Mr Md Shahidul Haque, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to further deepening its partnership with South Africa through enhanced diplomatic engagement, stronger economic cooperation, and closer collaboration in regional and multilateral forums. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing the longstanding friendship between the two countries and exploring new avenues of cooperation for mutual prosperity and sustainable development.