EU hails ‘new chapter’ in ties with Bangladesh

Diplomatic Correspondent :

The European Union (EU) has described itself as Bangladesh’s “most reliable partner” and signalled a fresh push to deepen cooperation across trade, governance and political engagement following talks with the country’s new foreign policy leadership.

Speaking to journalists at the Foreign Ministry after a joint meeting with newly appointed Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, EU Ambassador Michael Miller said the bloc was ready to intensify relations with the new elected government.

“We come as Bangladesh’s most reliable partner, the biggest commercial partner that this country has, the biggest investor and a very significant provider of assistance and a very significant political partner for this new elected government,” Miller said.

He added that the EU member states’ ambassadors were “delighted” with the discussions and looked forward to launching a “new chapter” in EU-Bangladesh relations.

Responding to questions about the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and labour standards, the ambassador made it clear that the talks were wide-ranging.
“No issues were off the table,” he said.

“We talked about the very broad nature of EU-Bangladesh relations – politics, security, trade, development, humanitarian affairs, migration and so on.”

Asked what priorities the EU expects from the new government, Miller replied that Brussels is looking for continuity in reforms initiated under the previous administration.

“We are looking at this new government to continue with a series of reforms that were launched under the previous administration,” he said.

He specifically mentioned judicial reforms, the strengthening of commercial courts, and work to introduce greater regularity in migration management.

“These are all particularly important issues for us. We are looking to exploit the full potential of EU-Bangladesh relations,” he added.

The EU is Bangladesh’s largest export destination, particularly for ready-made garments, making the future of GSP-related trade benefits a key issue for Dhaka.

In response to another question on the proposed Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), Miller said the deal is close to completion.

“Our partnership and cooperation agreement is very near finalisation and we do hope that we will be in a position to sign this together with Bangladesh in the nearest possible future,” he said.

The PCA is expected to provide a comprehensive legal framework for cooperation between Bangladesh and the 27-member bloc.

Journalists also raised the issue of freedom of speech and human rights. Miller confirmed that these matters were discussed during the meeting.

“As I said, all issues were on the table today. It was a very fruitful meeting indeed,” he said.

“Of course in our relationship with Bangladesh the respect for fundamental freedoms is very prominent. So yes, we did touch on all the issues that you have mentioned.”

The meeting marks one of the first high-level engagements between the EU diplomatic corps and Bangladesh’s new foreign policy leadership, setting the tone for what both sides describe as a renewed and intensified relationship.

According to Foreign Ministry, seven Ambassadors from Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden countries were present on the occasion.

The Ambassadors lauded Bangladesh’s democratic transition and reaffirmed their continued engagement in support of constitutional, judicial, labour and other important reforms.

The Foreign Minister appreciated the EUs deployment of a large Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the 12 February national elections. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to democratic consolidation, rule of law, and good governance.

Earlier in the day, the Ambassadors also called on Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, to greet her on her recent appointment.

The State Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing this win-win relation and welcomed enhanced engagement with the European Union and its Member States in areas of shared priority.