BD, Tajikstan pledge to deepen bilateral ties

Bangladesh and Tajikistan on Wednesday pledged to deepen bilateral ties by expanding political, economic and people to people cooperation during the first ever Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between the two countries held in Dhaka.

Ahead of the consultations, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Foreign Office Consultations to institutionalise a regular mechanism for dialogue and strengthen diplomatic engagement, according to Foreign Ministry.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, while the Tajik side was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Idibek Kalandar.

During the meeting, both sides described bilateral relations as a priority and agreed to recalibrate and broaden cooperation across a wide range of sectors.

They stressed the importance of strengthening political engagement and proposed reciprocal visits by the foreign ministers of the two countries.

The delegations also discussed the possibility of establishing a Bangladesh Tajikistan Parliamentary Friendship Group to promote closer interaction between lawmakers.

Trade, investment and economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. Both countries agreed to encourage greater engagement between their private sectors through business exchanges and commercial delegations.

Bangladesh highlighted its global competitiveness in the readymade garments, jute and jute products and pharmaceutical sectors, and invited Tajik investors to take advantage of investment opportunities in the country’s Special Economic Zones.

Dhaka also proposed establishing a Joint Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation, signing an MoU between the apex chambers of commerce of the two countries and hosting an exploratory mission of Tajik business representatives.

The two sides explored prospects for cooperation in the mineral sector, with Bangladesh expressing interest in benefiting from Tajikistan’s abundant reserves and expertise in gold, aluminium, zinc, copper, lead and silver.

The consultations also focused on strengthening people to people contacts through cooperation in education, sports, tourism and culture.

Both sides discussed expanding exchanges of students, youth and cultural groups, while also exploring employment opportunities in Tajikistan for highly skilled and semi skilled professionals from Bangladesh.

The delegations agreed to expedite negotiations on several bilateral agreements covering trade and economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, visa waiver arrangements for diplomatic and official passport holders, tourism promotion, avoidance of double taxation, promotion and protection of investments and industrial cooperation.

On regional and international issues, Bangladesh and Tajikistan reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Bangladesh thanked Tajikistan for supporting its candidature for the Presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments and underscored the strategic importance of South and Central Asia in promoting regional stability, connectivity and economic integration.
They observed that the inaugural Foreign Office Consultations had laid a strong foundation for future cooperation between the two friendly countries and agreed to hold the second round of consultations in Dushanbe at a mutually convenient date.
On the sidelines of the consultations, Bangladesh and Tajikistan signed another MoU to promote cooperation between their diplomatic training institutes.
The agreement was signed by Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Rector of the Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh, and Tajik Deputy Foreign Minister Idibek Kalandar.
The two countries expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen professional exchanges and capacity building in diplomacy.