Bangladesh and Nepal have expressed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and enhancing regional cooperation following a meeting between Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moin Khan and Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari.The courtesy meeting took place in the minister’s office at the Secretariat on Wednesday. The two sides discussed bilateral relations, regional cooperation and issues of mutual interest, expressing their determination to expand cooperation in the coming days.During the meeting, Bhandari highlighted the similarities between Bangladesh and Nepal in their political, cultural, geographical and economic circumstances. He also emphasised the potential for greater cooperation in education.More than 2,500 Nepalese students are currently studying medicine at various institutions in Bangladesh, the ambassador said, adding that cooperation in the education sector could be expanded further.Bhandari also briefed the minister on the devastating floods that recently struck Nepal, saying around $5 billion would be required to rebuild flood-affected areas. In this context, he sought Bangladesh’s assistance in the reconstruction efforts.In response, Dr Abdul Moin Khan described Nepal as a trusted and longstanding friend of Bangladesh, assuring the ambassador that Bangladesh would stand by Nepal and extend all possible assistance when needed.Call to revive SAARCHighlighting the importance of regional cooperation, the minister sought Nepal’s strong support for reviving and reinvigorating the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).He said regional countries could achieve their common goals more effectively by speaking with a collective voice at global forums on critical issues such as trade and climate change, rather than addressing them individually.Focus on expanding bilateral tradeThe minister also stressed the need to increase trade between Bangladesh and Nepal through bilateral and regional agreements.He said expanded regional trade would offer comparative advantages to neighbouring countries, significantly reduce transportation costs and help ensure fair prices for goods.Such cooperation would ultimately increase people’s real incomes and improve their living standards, he added.Dr Khan further noted that working together as a stronger bilateral and regional trading bloc would make it easier for both countries to protect their domestic industries and economies.Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to making the historic relationship between Bangladesh and Nepal stronger, deeper and more diverse in the years ahead.