Highlighting the growing bilateral ties, Ambassador of Ireland to Bangladesh (resident in New Delhi), Kevin Kelly, has said that Ireland wants to do much more to further strengthen relations between the two countries.

“Our past is something to be proud of, but our future is also very exciting… we really are on the rise. We want to do much more,” he said.

The ambassador made the remarks while speaking at a reception in Dhaka on the occasion of St Patrick's Day, the National Day of Ireland.

Although St Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17 in Ireland, the celebration in Dhaka was delayed out of respect for the holy month of Ramadan.

The ambassador held a number of meetings in Dhaka and spoke positively about the future and how the two countries can collaborate in business and trade. “I hope there will also be stronger government-to-government links,” he added.

Honorary Consul of Ireland to Bangladesh Masud Jamil Khan highlighted the vast untapped potential for broader cooperation between Bangladesh and Ireland.

He said Ireland is committed to supporting the government of Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis and continues to provide assistance in that regard.

“I believe Bangladeshi pharmaceutical companies can establish operations in Dublin for the European market,” said Masud Khan.

Bilateral trade between the two nations reached USD 500 million in 2025, with Bangladesh enjoying a large trade surplus, driven by steadily increasing RMG exports.

“We aim to expand collaboration in the near future in fields such as education, IT, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. All these and more are being planned and will be implemented,” he said.

Renowned scholar-diplomat and former Adviser on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, academics and diplomats attended the reception. Business leaders, city elite, and former civil and defence officials were also present.

Meanwhile, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday sought Ireland’s support for Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (2026–27).

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues, underscoring the importance of peace, stability, and enhanced international cooperation.

The discussions took place when Ambassador Kevin Kelly paid a courtesy call on the state minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He warmly congratulated the state minister on her assumption of office and expressed confidence in further strengthening Bangladesh-Ireland relations under the present government.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a mutually beneficial partnership, exploring avenues for cooperation in trade and commerce, development, education, sports, culture, as well as consular and migration matters.

They also discussed strengthening collaboration in both bilateral and multilateral settings, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.