Bangladesh, France pledge coop for a free, secure indo-pacific
Diplomatic Correspondent :
In a significant display of unity and shared commitment, Bangladesh and France have reaffirmed their shared vision for a free, open, inclusive, secure, and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.
The two resident powers in the Indian Ocean issued a joint statement on Monday, highlighting their determination to deepen cooperation in various domains.
The joint statement came following the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and French President Emmanuel Macron in the Prime Minister’s Office.
As two resident powers in the Indian Ocean, they are determined to deepen cooperation among the members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, building on the impetus given by Bangladesh’s presidency of the organisation, and state their willingness to cooperate with other like-minded countries in the region, the statement said.
Both countries express their common endeavour to maintaining the region free of illegal traffics, illicit fishing and favouring freedom of trade and navigation.
They recall the port call at Chattogram by FS Surcouf, a French Frigate deployed in the Indian Ocean, in July 2023, it added.
Bangladesh and France reaffirm their commitment to enhancing defense cooperation, focusing on naval, air, and terrestrial capacities, equipment, and technology transfer to bolster Bangladesh’s strategic autonomy, as per the Letter of Intent signed in November 2021.
Both countries support the strengthening of cooperation on non-traditional security issues, notably cooperation on maritime domain awareness under the CRIMARIO programme, it further said.
Bangladesh and France also take note of the progress with implementing the EU-Bangladesh Standard Operating Procedures for the Identification and Return of Persons without an Authorisation to Stay, and decide to enhance cooperation to address the challenges related to irregular migration flows, including people’s smuggling and trafficking in persons, the statement mentioned.
Both sides regard sovereignty and strategic autonomy as key principles for a stable, multi-polar world. Both countries therefore welcome enhanced cooperation in strategic sectors.
They welcome the conclusion of a space partnership between Airbus DS and Bangladesh Satellite Company Ltd.
(BSCL) that will strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a Space nation after it masters its own sovereign earth-observation satellite.
Bangladesh and France agree to cooperate in the fields of ICT and digital technology, including artificial intelligence. In this regard, France invites Bangladesh to consider joining initiatives such as the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence.
France will work towards identification of technical assistance to Bangladesh in dealing with cyber security threats and will work together on the Global Digital Compact under the aegis of the UN, the statement said.
They reiterate their commitment to territorial integrity and sovereignty of all nations following unwavering commitment to international law and the UN Charter.
Bangladesh and France reiterate their support for UN peacekeeping operations and express their willingness to regularly consult on mission mandates and their implementation in relevant contexts.
Both countries condemn unconstitutional change of government and unlawful military takeover in any country, and call for urgent and unimpeded humanitarian assistance for those displaced due to conflicts, violence and atrocity crimes.
Commending Bangladesh’s generosity for Rohingyas, France announces its decision to intervene, along with other partners, in the Gambia v.
Myanmar case before the International Court of Justice, in support of the international efforts to ensure justice and accountability.
Bangladesh urges France to help mobilise adequate international support for the UN’s Joint Response Plan to the Rohingya humanitarian crisis.
In this context, France announces an additional contribution of one million Euros to the World Food Programme’s activities in Rohingya camps in Bangladesh.
Both sides underpins cultural ties, commit to promoting language learning, and enhance research cooperation, with a focus on oceanography, student exchanges, and priority fields like medicine and sustainable development.
Two countries commit to launch regular high-level dialogues to deepen the strategic dimension of their partnership. Both leaders agree to work towards taking the partnership for peace, prosperity and people to a strategic level.
Both sides unite in addressing the climate emergency, urging the swift implementation of the Paris Pact and increased funding for development, climate, and biodiversity.
Bangladesh extends gratitude for France’s diverse development support, including clean energy, urban development, and climate-focused projects.
A $200 million agreement signed on Monday with the French Agency for Development and the Asian Development Bank aims to enhance urban development in over 86 municipalities.
Both countries aim to boost bilateral trade and explore investment opportunities in resilient infrastructure, including railways. They anticipate the Bangladesh-France Investment Summit in October 2023 to further enhance trade and investment ties.
France applauds Bangladesh’s National Action Plan for the Labor sector (2021-2026) and emphasises its implementation and economic diversification to support a seamless and sustainable transition under the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP).
