“We discussed our bilateral relations. We’re delighted to work together,” Dr Karin, who came to Bangladesh with a big delegation, told reporters after her meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at state guesthouse Meghna.
The Austrian expert team, accompanying the Minister, explored ways to boost cooperation between Austria and Bangladesh in various potential areas.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen said he is hopeful of establishing direct air connectivity between Dhaka and Vienna concluding the proposed Air Services Agreement soon that will help create more avenues of cooperation with enhanced trade relations.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has outlined certain roadmaps to reach development goals and Bangladesh needs more investment, technology transfer and better trade relations with other countries.
“They’ve (Australian FM and her team) come here to help us as a partner,” Dr Momen said adding that Bangladesh wants to have Austria’s expertise in educational learning, power generation, renewable energy and skill development; and they agreed to support Bangladesh.
The Austrian Foreign Minister highly appreciated the tremendous efforts of Bangladesh government and its people to provide humanitarian support to Rohingyas.
She said Austria is working with the European Union in its efforts for resolving the Rohingya crisis and mentioned that the EU remains serious about the cause.
Sharing their own experience, the Austrian Foreign Minister said they in a similar situation as they also have welcomed refugees. “We know the burden it has on the society.”
During the talks, the two Foreign Ministers discussed various bilateral issues including cooperation between the two countries in vocational training, agriculture, e-learning and renewable energy sectors.
Rohingya issue was discussed with due importance and Austria promised to do its part through the EU, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.
Foreign Minister Dr Karin and her delegation are scheduled to lay floral wreath at central Saheed Minar in the first hour of Amar Ekushey.
Kamrul Ahsan, Secretary (Bilateral & Consular), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Abu Zafar, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to Austria and Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khastagir, Director General (West Europe and EU) were part of Bangladesh Foreign Minister’s delegation at the talks.
Austrian Foreign Minister was joined by Brigitte Oppinger-Walchshofer, Austrian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Alexander Marschik, Director General at the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, Gabriele Meon-Tschurtz, Minister Plenipotentiary, Director at the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs and Stephan Heisler, Minister Plenipotentiary, Office of the Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs.