Dhaka, Jakarta boost ties

Bangladesh and Indonesia held the second round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Jakarta on Monday, reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across key sectors.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam, while the Indonesian side was headed by Director General of Asia, Pacific and African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dr Santo Darmosumarto.

Officials described the talks as “cordial and forward-looking”, marking the continuation of a structured dialogue mechanism following the inaugural round in 2021.

The consultations provided a comprehensive platform to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and multilateral issues.

The two sides held wide-ranging discussions on trade and investment, energy, agriculture, education, health, digital economy, security, connectivity, tourism, fisheries, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Bangladesh invited increased Indonesian investment in high-potential sectors, including pharmaceuticals, hospitality, ICT, renewable energy, leather and footwear. Both countries agreed to strengthen trade facilitation measures and expedite meetings of the Trade Negotiating Committee and the Joint Working Group on Power and Energy.

They also stressed the importance of greater private sector engagement and the early finalisation of pending legal instruments to boost economic cooperation.

On connectivity, Bangladesh urged Indonesia to ease visa procedures for Bangladeshi nationals and consider establishing direct flights to facilitate greater mobility and exchanges.

Both sides acknowledged opportunities to expand collaboration in agriculture and fisheries, alongside broader cooperation in health, with a shared focus on food security and sustainable development.

During the consultations, Bangladesh sought Indonesia’s continued support for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas.

Dhaka also requested Jakarta’s backing for its bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Foreign Secretary Siam held talks with Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Anis Matta, extending an invitation for high-level visits between the two countries.

Senior officials from both sides, including diplomats and representatives from relevant ministries, attended the consultations.