Dhaka, Feb. 23 -- Setting out the tone of the government's diplomacy, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has said Bangladesh hopes to establish "very deep relations" with all countries while pursuing a foreign policy guided by "Bangladesh First" principle.

After courtesy meetings with more than a dozen foreign envoys over two days, the minister outlined the broad direction of the new government's diplomatic approach on Monday.

"We have explained to them the outline of our government's foreign policy," he said. "We told them our motto is Bangladesh First."

He said the government's external engagement would rest on several guiding principles.

Independence and sovereignty

Non-interference in each other's internal affairs

Mutual benefit ...