Dhaka: The foreign ministers of Bangladesh and Switzerland on Monday highlighted the strong bond between the two countries marking the 45th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties.

On the occasion, the foreign ministers of Switzerland and Bangladesh have exchanged letters extending cordial congratulations to each other and underscoring the excellent relations and friendship between the two countries.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, in his letter sent to Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali wrote that the excellent relations between Switzerland and Bangladesh have grown and multiplied since March 13, 1972, the day when Switzerland recognized independent Bangladesh.

In this letter, Federal Councillor Burkhalter conveyed his most sincere wishes to the people of Bangladesh for a prosperous future.

The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh in the letter sent to his Swiss counterpart highlighted the historic relations between the two countries which is based on mutual respect, trust and shared values for democracy, tolerance and secularism.

He also mentioned that the two countries are bound by common interests on a wide range of bilateral, regional and multilateral issues.

The letters were exchanged on Monday between the two countries, according to the Swiss Embassy in Dhaka.

Switzerland was among the first countries to recognize independent Bangladesh.

At present, Bangladesh is one of the priority countries of Switzerland in terms of development cooperation.  The trade ties between the two countries are also growing rapidly, as the trade volume has more than doubled since 2010.

Since 2013, the foreign ministries of the two countries are holding regular political consultations.

The third edition of the consultation is scheduled to take place in Switzerland this year.