Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar Ratsimandao Tahirimiakadaza has proposed that both Bangladesh and Madagascar can establish cooperation in the blue economy, including collaboration among maritime universities and extraction of marine nutrients.

He said the Madagascar government is eager to establish cooperation in the IT-ICT sector of Bangladesh and suggested establishing G2G cooperation in expanded IT-ICT areas.

Tahirimiakadaza met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at the State Guest House Padma on Tuesday and discussed the issues of mutual interest.

Dr Momen sought support of the Madagascar government in favour of the candidature of Bangladesh at the forthcoming IMO election as well as Humans Right Council.

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The Madagascar Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs was accompanied by officials of the Madagascar government who are participating in the 21st Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers and related meetings.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr Momen welcomed the Permanent Secretary of Foreign Ministry of Madagascar to Dhaka.

He mentioned that Bangladesh has achieved tremendous socio-economic progress during the last decade.

Dr Momen mentioned that Bangladesh has expertise in the IT-ICT sector and the government is offering various types of digital services to people.

He also suggested that the two countries may establish cooperation in the IT-ICT sector and Madagascar may import RMG and pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh.

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The Permanent Secretary of Foreign Ministry of Madagascar briefed Dr Momen about measures taken by the government of Madagascar in order to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

He congratulated the Bangladesh government for the measures undertaken by the government of Bangladesh for containing the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

He mentioned that Madagascar and Bangladesh are working together at international platforms on matters of mutual interest and commended the role of Bangladesh at IORA in protecting the interest of the developing countries.

Recognising the importance of cooperation in agriculture areas, both sides agreed to establish cooperation in food and agriculture areas, including collaboration in seed technology and agricultural production. Dr Momen suggested that a Fact-Finding Mission may go to Madagascar to discuss the possibilities of contract farming opportunities in Madagascar.

He also sought continued support of Madagascar on the Rohingya repatriation issue. 

The Permanent Secretary assured Dr Momen of their continued support to Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue.