Bangladesh, Spain discuss trade, others
Bangladesh and Spain have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, cultural exchanges and legal migration.
The matter came up during a meeting between Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Spanish State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs Diego Martínez Belío in Madrid on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on expanding existing trade and investment opportunities, diversifying exports and creating new avenues for business-to-business exchanges between the two countries, according to a press release issued by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both sides also discussed organising exhibitions to promote commercial engagement and explore new business opportunities.
Shama Obaed highlighted the potential for greater cooperation in cultural exchanges and called for the early conclusion of a proposed memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation.
The discussions also covered sports diplomacy, the creative economy, arts and tourism. The state minister said sports could serve as an effective instrument for strengthening people-to-people ties, highlighting the government’s emphasis on promoting sports across Bangladesh.
Migration was another key issue during the meeting, with Shama Obaed acknowledging the valuable contributions of the Bangladeshi community in Spain and its role in strengthening relations between the two countries.
She stressed the importance of establishing legal pathways for skilled migration and encouraged Spain to participate in the European Union’s Talent Partnerships initiative for Bangladeshi workers.
The state minister also reiterated Bangladesh’s zero-tolerance policy towards human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The Spanish side reaffirmed its support for advancing bilateral engagement in areas of mutual interest. Belío described the prospects for future cooperation as promising and expressed Spain’s readiness to support further progress.
The two sides agreed to expedite the conclusion of agreed bilateral instruments and advance ongoing negotiations on other arrangements. They also expressed their eagerness to hold the second Bangladesh-Spain Foreign Office Consultations at the earliest opportunity, while underscoring the importance of regular high-level exchanges to strengthen bilateral relations.
At the beginning of the meeting, Shama Obaed conveyed Bangladesh’s heartfelt condolences over a train accident in Toledo, Spain, earlier on Wednesday that caused significant loss of life. She expressed sympathy for the bereaved families and others affected by the tragedy.
