The European envoys on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the present government to further strengthen mutual trust, friendship and partnership during a meeting with President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller and Ambassadors of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden paid a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban.
During the meeting, the envoys congratulated Mirza Fakhrul on assuming office as the President.
The President thanked them for their congratulatory messages.
The President expressed satisfaction over the steady progress in relations between Bangladesh and European countries and the EU, saying the partnership has now taken a multifaceted shape.
He expressed gratitude for the continued cooperation and contribution of the EU and its member states to Bangladesh’s development and democratic transition, and said new opportunities have emerged to further deepen the longstanding relations based on mutual respect.
Highlighting the investment opportunities available in the current democratic environment, the President called for increased European investment in Bangladesh.
On migration, the President reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to preventing irregular migration and human trafficking.
He also called for expanding legal migration pathways for skilled workers and urged more EU member states to join the Talent Partnership initiative.
They stressed the need to enhance cooperation in various areas, including trade, good governance, climate action and sustainable development.
The envoys also underscored the importance of creating a level playing field to increase trade and investment between Bangladesh and EU countries.
They reiterated their continued engagement and cooperation in Bangladesh’s constitutional, judicial and other key reform initiatives.
The President outlined the government’s commitment in this regard and assured that cooperation would continue.
On the Rohingya crisis, the President sought continued and increased EU humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya community in Cox’s Bazar.
He also urged the European countries to play a stronger role in creating conditions for their safe, voluntary and dignified return to Myanmar.
The ambassadors reaffirmed their support and cooperation in addressing the crisis.
The meeting also discussed regional and global developments, renewable energy, green transition, migration management, education, maritime affairs and technology transfer.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to upholding shared values, including democracy, human rights, multilateralism, international law and the rules-based international order, and to working together in multilateral forums.
The EU ambassadors thanked the President and reiterated the EU’s commitment to further deepening its partnership with Bangladesh.
Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Moller, French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, German Ambassador Rüdiger Lotz, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, Dutch Ambassador Eurich van Boesel, Spanish Ambassador Gabriel María Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru and Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks attended the meeting.
The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary, Press Secretary and a Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present.