Newly appointed Chargé d'Affaires of the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore to Bangladesh Philip Ong has expressed deep appreciation for the contributions of Bangladeshis to Singapore's development, reaffirming his country's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and continuing to welcome skilled workers from Bangladesh.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your friendship with Singapore," he said, noting that Singapore is a very small country compared with Bangladesh in terms of geographical size and population.

The diplomat made the remarks at a reception hosted by Cosmos Group President and Group CEO Enayetullah Khan at his Baridhara residence. Catherine Grace Gardner Khan, Creative Artistic Director of Cosmos Global Resources, delivered the welcome remarks.

Philip Ong, who officially assumed his responsibilities this month, said Singapore would continue to welcome skilled workers and professionals from Bangladesh.

He said he felt truly fortunate to have come to a country where people had been so welcoming and supportive, helping him settle in and making his stay enjoyable. "The warmth and hospitality I have received have been deeply appreciated," he added.

"I will be counting on all of you for your friendship and support. I know that many of you were very good friends of my predecessor, Mitchell Lee. I hope you will extend to me the same friendship, warmth and support that you gave him," Ong said.

Enayetullah Khan said domestically, two countries will have to tend to people's needs no matter what happens outside their borders.

"We both have talented populations and we need to stay focused on the educational foundations of productivity-driven economic growth," he said.

Khan said Bangladesh has much to learn from Singapore's success in creating a workforce that is both horizontally and vertically educated.

Khan also briefly reflected on his book "Bangladesh and Singapore: A Tale of Two Nations." The book is dedicated to the dynamic relationship between two Asian nations, Bangladesh and Singapore.

In her welcome remarks, Catherine Grace Gardner Khan said Singapore and Bangladesh enjoyed a strong relationship built on mutual respect, close collaboration and lasting friendship.

"We are delighted to have you with us here in Dhaka, and we sincerely hope that your time here will be both professionally rewarding and personally enriching," she said.

"We look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead, the further strengthening of our bilateral ties, and the development of meaningful partnerships and collaborations during your tenure," Catherine added.

She wished Ong every success in his new appointment and expressed hope that Bangladesh would soon become a place where he felt very much at home.

BNP Vice-Chairman, former Home Minister and former Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, MP, said Singapore is among the first countries to recognise Bangladesh. The two countries have enjoyed friendly bilateral relations since establishing diplomatic ties in February 1972.

"Ever since, we have remained very good and trusted friends - in fact, all-weather friends," he said, expressing his love and respect for Singapore.

Members of the diplomatic and international community, senior civil and military officials, city elite, academics and media personalities attended the reception.