Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma called on Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on Tuesday, congratulating him on his election victory.

Sharma handed over a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Sushila Karki, expressing Nepal’s readiness to work together in a spirit of mutual respect and partnership to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Rahman led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to victory in the February 12 national elections. Sharma commended Bangladesh for the successful conduct of the polls and smooth democratic transition, the Nepali embassy in Dhaka said in a statement.

Rahman thanked Sharma for attending the oath-taking ceremony and said the visit reflected the goodwill of Nepal towards Bangladesh.

The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, connectivity, education and tourism. Rahman also conveyed his best wishes for Nepal’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

Earlier, Sharma attended the oath-taking ceremony of Rahman and members of the new Council of Ministers at the Jatiya Sangsad, where President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath.

Sharma is on a four-day visit to Bangladesh from February 16 to 19.