State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday stressed the need for trade diversification and urged Lithuania to import more pharmaceutical products, biodegradable jute and jute goods, leather and leather products, agro-products, furniture and plastic goods from Bangladesh.

She highlighted the investment opportunities in Bangladesh and invited Lithuanian investors to invest in sectors such as agro-processing, renewable energy, IT sector and cybersecurity, and waste management.

Lithuanian Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Vidmantas Verbickas called on the state minister at her office, when they discussed possible cooperation in issues such as environmental degradation and climate change, energy security, and food security.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation and partnership in various sectors and issues, including education, demographic dividends, manpower and employment opportunities, human mobility and migration, visa facilitation, women empowerment, sports and culture, and deepening engagement in regional and international organisations.

Shama Obaed recalled the historical relations that Bangladesh and Lithuania established in 1992 and emphasised widening mutually beneficial ties.

She added that the government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been striving hard to pursue a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy approach.

The state minister focused on expanding soft diplomacy and strengthening cooperation on information technology and sharing experience and expertise.

To deepen bilateral engagement, the two sides stressed the importance of high-level and business delegation visits, collaboration between business chambers, exchanges of youths and students, cultural troupes and sports teams, cooperation in tourism, and stronger people-to-people contacts.

They also discussed the need to tap the untapped potential of Bangladesh-Lithuania relations and further strengthen bilateral ties.