Bangladesh wishes to intensify political, economic and cultural connectivity with the Asean countries, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali said today.

"Institutionalisation of this relationship won't only make a bridge between the two historical regions, but will also foster investment, trade flow and cultural exchanges," he told a function in the capital.

The Asean Dhaka Committee organised the Asean Flag Raising Ceremony at Indonesian Embassy. The ceremony commemorates the 49th Anniversary of the establishment of Asean on August 1967.

Mahmood Ali said Bangladesh's growing economy and geographical location makes it a natural candidate for partnership with Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

"Bangladesh shares a common agenda for peace, security and economic prosperity with the Asean countries," he mentioned.