Dhaka has emphasized the need to strengthen economic cooperation with Colombo, recognizing the friendly bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. During a meeting with Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody discussed expanding trade, ICT, education, tourism, and pharmaceutical exports. They also explored how Sri Lanka can open its educational institutions to Bangladeshi students. Both sides agreed to pursue new areas of cooperation and welcomed the proposal to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations later this year.