Dhaka, June 11 (UNB) - Bangladesh and South Africa have common history and the relations between the two countries are based on the similitude of their quest for emancipation of the masses from the clutches of injustice, oppression and poverty.

The observation came at a meeting between foreign secretary Mijarul Qayes and the visiting South African delegation, led by Ambassador Anil Sooklal, deputy director general (DDG) of Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on Monday.

The South African delegation called on the foreign secretary at his office in the afternoon.

During the meeting Qayes recalled the days of apartheid when the people of Bangladesh were united in their opposition of the oppressive regime of then South Africa which followed the policy of racial discrimination.

He said the commonality of value between the two peoples adequately addressed the impediment of geographical distance and imbibed them with the spirit of friendship.

The head of South African delegation briefed the foreign secretary about the proceeding of the meeting held between the two sides led by additional foreign secretary of Bangladesh Ambassador Mustafa Kamal and Ambassador Sooklal and specified the agreed programme of action to carry the relations forward.

Mijarul Qayes shared his views and identified several areas of possible cooperation and advised the members of the delegations to focus attention on joint undertaking in the fields of industries and trade, human resources development and higher education.

He informed the delegates that Bangladesh is in the process of opening a number of new missions in African continent to increase its diplomatic presence in the region, an official release said.