BD mulls over increased defence coop with Italy: FS

Staff Reporter  :
Bangladesh wants to increase defence cooperation with Italy and the two countries are currently discussing the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance defence collaboration.

“Work is on to finalize a MoU for defence cooperation between the two nations. I had a meeting with an Italian ministry this week. However, consultations among all stakeholders from both countries have not concluded yet, but there is a possibility,” the Foreign Secretary (FS) Masud Bin Momen on Thursday said during the curtain raiser of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Italy.
He further mentioned, “We want to diversify the sources of Bangladesh’s procurement, and during my previous visit to Italy, we discussed this matter.”
Additionally, he highlighted that during previous visits, Italian authorities also expressed interest in Bangladesh.

Masud Bin Momen said, “If we want to make these procurement on a larger scale, then having an agreement in place can ensure safeguarding of those procurement. We are discussing these matters, and we have already acquired many smaller items from Italy. They are one of the leading countries in Europe, manufacturing submarines, helicopters, and many other defence equipment. There is potential for further collaboration in the future.”