Malaysian King Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah said the Governments of Malaysia and Bangladesh should explore avenues for improving the trade and investment ties between the two countries, reports UNB.

Expressing satisfaction on the overall bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia, he viewed that the existing ties could be further widened on trade and economic cooperation.

The Malaysian King's view came when new Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia AKM Atiqur Rahman presented his credentials to him at the Istana Negara (King's Official Palace) in Kuala Lumpur Thursday, according to a message received here Sunday.

In presenting the letter of Credence, the High commissioner conveyed greetings of the President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to the Malaysian King. The King warmly reciprocated the sentiment.

The High Commissioner was accompanied by two officers of the High Commission-Rahat Bin Zaman, Second Secretary and Head of Chancery, and Ishrat Jahan, Second Secretary.

In the audience following the presentation Ceremony, the new High Commissioner stated that Bangladesh attached great importance to its relations with Malaysia for the strong bonds of brotherhood and time-tested friendship characterised by shared history, culture and faith.

Malaysia was not only the first country of South East Asia but was the first Muslim country that recognised Bangladesh on 31 January 1972, he added.

He further stated that the foundation of Bangladesh-Malaysia relations was laid by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman when he made a short visit to Malaysia in 1973.