Visiting Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts has said Bangladesh and Australia work closely together to promote their shared interests in regional peace and security, and have a growing trade and investment relationship.

“I look forward to continuing discussions on our political and economic cooperation while in Bangladesh,” he said. The Australian Minister is representing Australia at the two-day 6th Indian Ocean Conference being held in Bangladesh.

The Conference is the flagship forum for key partners in the Indian Ocean region to discuss regional cooperation, growth, and security, reads a press release of the Australian High Commission.

This year’s Conference theme is Peace, Prosperity and Partnership for a Resilient Future.

This week Watts will also travel to Bhutan, Nepal and India to strengthen our bilateral cooperation, discuss our shared strategic interests and further Australia’s trade and investment ties. “It is also a key opportunity to build on our strong people-to-people links between each of our countries,” he added.

In Bhutan, the Australian Mill will meet with government, community and religious leaders, building on our warm connection and the visit of Bhutan’s Foreign Minister, Tandi Dorji to Australia last year.

Australia and Bhutan’s diplomatic relations were established 20 years ago, formalising the longstanding friendship between our two countries.

Travelling onwards to Kathmandu, “I will discuss opportunities to advance our strong education and people-to-people ties with Nepal, our third largest international student market,” Watts said.

In India, he looks forward to formally opening Australia’s Consulate-General in Kolkata, which is the commercial hub and cultural capital of eastern India. The Consulate-General will continue to grow Australia’s trade, investment and education interests in this region.