BD, EU reaffirm pledge to bolster ties
Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across a broad range of sectors, including migration, trade, skills development and regional issues.
The commitment was reiterated during a courtesy call by visiting European Commission Director for International Affairs, Returns and Visa, Henrik Nielsen, on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Wednesday. Michael Miller, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, also attended the meeting.
During the discussions, the State Minister underscored Bangladesh’s determination to further deepen its multifaceted partnership with the EU and expressed appreciation for the bloc’s continued support to the country’s development efforts.
She recalled recent high-level engagements between Bangladesh and the EU and expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum in bilateral relations.
Migration and mobility cooperation featured prominently in the talks. Shama Obaed Islam reiterated Bangladesh’s zero-tolerance policy towards human trafficking and all forms of irregular migration, while highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting safe, orderly and regular migration.
She welcomed the EU Talent Partnership initiative and urged EU member states to create additional legal migration pathways and expand employment opportunities for Bangladeshi skilled workers and professionals.
The two sides also exchanged views on the EU’s forthcoming Asylum and Return Border Procedure, stressing the importance of close coordination, regular dialogue and adherence to due process in migration and return matters.
Both parties highlighted ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of irregular migration.
The meeting also covered political and economic developments, employment generation, skills development, the proposed Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, education, sports, and regional and multilateral cooperation.
The State Minister thanked the EU for its continued support to Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh and reiterated the need for sustained international attention to ensure the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening Bangladesh-EU relations and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
