Diplomatic Correspondent :
In a historic event, Bangladesh and Brunei signed four instruments including an air services agreement to deepen the bilateral relations to a new height in the upcoming days for mutual benefit.
The other Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) include MoU on the Employment / Recruitment of Bangladeshi Workers; MoU on the Recognition of Certificates Issued under the Provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978, as Amended; and MoU on the Field of Cooperation in the Supply of Liquified Natural gas and other petroleum products.
The instruments were signed in presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaualh at the PMO in the capital, Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in energy, manpower recruitment, agriculture, investment, healthcare, education, air and maritime connectivity, etc.
The joint statement said that both the leaders expressed their expectations for the early implementation of the provisions as envisaged in the instruments.
Both sides reiterated that the visit of the Sultan would usher in a new chapter in the bilateral relations and expressed optimism for a stronger and deeper partnership for mutual benefit of the two friendly countries.
In view of Bangladesh’s growing demand for energy, both leaders agreed to explore mechanisms for long-term collaboration in the energy sector, particularly in the supply of LNG and other petroleum products to Bangladesh. Responding to Bangladesh’s offer to Brunei to invest in the Special Economic Zone of Bangladesh, Brunei took note of the offer and looked forward to discussing potential areas of investment cooperation for mutual benefits of both countries.
Brunei also invited Bangladesh to consider investing in its economic diversification activities, such as in the food, agriculture and aquaculture industries.
Regarding manpower recruitment, both sides agreed to focus on recruiting more workers, including skilled workforce and professionals from Bangladesh to Brunei in the relevant sectors in a transparent, orderly and ethical manner.
Regarding the Rohingya issue, Bangladesh expressed gratitude to Brunei Darussalam for its political support for the expeditious repatriation of over a million displaced persons from the Rakhine State, temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh, in a safe, secure, sustainable and dignified manner.
Appreciating the generosity and hospitality of Bangladesh rendered to the Rohingya, the Sultan assured that his government would continue to support Bangladesh in seeking a durable solution, with a view to ensuring the overall peace and security of the region.
In addition, Brunei appreciated Bangladesh’s continued interest to strengthen its relations with ASEAN and assured its support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue partner of ASEAN.
Both sides also agreed to further deepen mutual cooperation in the regional and international fora, including the UN, OIC, the Commonwealth and ARF on issues of mutual interest and common position.
Underscoring the need for air and maritime connectivity, both sides are optimistic that it will enhance trade, investment, tourism and people to people contacts and agreed to encourage the private sector operators to become involved for better connectivity between the two countries.
Among other cooperation, both sides agreed to broaden the scope of existing defence and security cooperation, disaster response and humanitarian operations.
Stressing the growing capacity in the healthcare sector, both sides noted the importance of signing an MoU on health sector cooperation for the recruitment and training of healthcare professionals, especialised services and pharmaceutical services.
The bilateral meeting also discussed the new and emerging areas including ICT, green technology and blue economy for mutual benefit.
Recalling the respective MoUs on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Cooperation signed in 2019, both sides acknowledged the ongoing discussion between the relevant authorities, and looked forward to the convening of the Joint Agriculture Working Committee to be held in November this year in Brunei.
Stressing further cooperation in higher education, Bangladesh appreciated Brunei’s goodwill by continuing to offer scholarships to Bangladeshi students for higher education.
The official talks were held in a warm and cordial atmosphere where both leaders acknowledged that the relationship has reached a new height.