Bangladesh and Kenya on Tuesday emphasized the importance of strengthening existing engagements and exploring new avenues of cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The 2nd Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between Bangladesh and Kenya concluded in Nairobi, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
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The consultation was led by Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, and Dr. A. Korir Sing’Oei, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Foreign Affairs of Kenya.
A significant outcome of the consultation was the Kenyan delegation’s reassurance to open a resident mission in Dhaka before the end of this financial year. Both sides also agreed to expedite the process and ensure effective communication channels until the mission is operational.
During the opening session, the leaders of both delegations highlighted the historical ties and shared values between the two countries, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In addition, both sides expressed a positive outlook on the ongoing negotiation on the visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports and both sides committed to finalizing the agreement to facilitate smoother diplomatic exchanges and foster closer cooperation.
Both delegations agreed to continue collaborating under the South-South Triangular Cooperation framework to secure funding for joint projects aligned with the UN SDGs within the UN Agenda 2030.
Both delegations also agreed to revive the Joint Commission of Cooperation, with its inauguration scheduled for the next round of FOC to be held in Dhaka in mid-2025.
In terms of economic cooperation, Bangladesh proposed formalizing investment commitments through an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.
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Kenya welcomed this proposal and agreed to work closely to conclude the agreement. Both sides also agreed to form a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) on trade and investment to follow up cooperation on trade and investment.
Regarding agricultural cooperation, Kenya expressed enthusiasm for Bangladesh’s proposal on contract farming. Both sides agreed to undertake reciprocal visits by technical teams to study and develop the best business model for implementing contract farming and investing in agro-processing industries.
The export of ready-made garments and leather was another key topic of discussion.
Bangladesh extended an invitation to a multi-sectoral team from Kenya to visit and explore opportunities in these sectors.
Both sides agreed that deepening defence cooperation through exchanges and coordination between their Defence Colleges, including student and lecturer exchanges, conference invitations, and joint colloquiums, will strengthen the existing ties between the countries.
The delegations also expressed their eagerness to finalize the MoU on Defence Cooperation soon.
The Kenyan side expressed their intention to propose an MoU on Cooperation in the Blue Economy and Fisheries, eager to learn from Bangladesh’s expertise in these areas.
Bangladesh welcomed the proposal, and both sides agreed to initiate negotiations on this important initiative.
During the meeting, Tareque Muhammad, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Kenya, and A.F.M. Zahid-Ul-Islam, Director General (Africa), were also present.
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The Kenyan delegation included representatives from various state agencies, including the Ministry of Defence, as well as the State Departments of Trade, Agriculture, Medical Services, Blue Economy, and Fisheries.
The consultation ended on a positive note, with both delegations reaffirming their commitment to working together on the agreed agendas.
The next FOC will be held in Dhaka, where further progress on these initiatives will be reviewed, and new areas of cooperation will be explored.