Diplomatic Correspondent :
In a significant move to bolster bilateral cooperation, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan have expressed their eagerness to enhance business links and undertake joint ventures in the fields of textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products.
This was highlighted during the third round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Tuesday.
The consultations, aimed at fostering mutual benefits in the evolving global economy, were led by Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Ambassador Masud Bin Momen and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhromjon Aloyev.
Additional Foreign Secretary Shah Ahmed Shafi and Bangladesh Ambassador to Uzbekistan Mohammad Monirul Islam were also part of the Bangladesh delegation.
The Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh, in a press release on Wednesday, stated that the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation was discussed during the consultations. Both countries emphasized the need for more business links and joint ventures, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products.
A key point of discussion was the exchange of high-level political visits to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Both sides also highlighted the importance of enhancing people-to-people contact through tourism and cultural cooperation.
Ambassador Masud Bin Momen proposed the establishment of an Uzbek Diplomatic Mission in Dhaka and the initiation of direct air connectivity between the two nations.
He underscored that these steps would not only intensify business and investment engagements but also yield tangible benefits in culture, tourism, and interpersonal connections.
Highlighting the historical, cultural and spiritual ties shared by the people of Bangladesh and Uzbekistan, Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) emphasised on the broadening of the horizon of cooperation, accommodating new areas, such as education, employment and capacity building. The First Deputy Minister of Uzbekistan expressed his readiness to work together on the issues raised by the Foreign Secretary in order to inject new momentum into the bilateral cooperation.
He conveyed his government’s determination and commitments to fostering deeper and outcome oriented collaborations with Bangladesh.
He appreciated Bangladesh’s active involvement in the international stage on the issues of global and regional significance.
Both sides shared their perspectives on the situations in Myanmar, Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Foreign Secretary also paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan. During the call he handed over a letter from the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh addressed to the Uzbek Foreign Minister inviting him to visit Bangladesh.
Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan also stressed on the importance of exchange of high level visits between the countries.
Following the Foreign Office Consultations, a MoU between the Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh and the Diplomatic Academy of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy of Uzbekistan was signed.
Both sides have agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.