State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has emphasised that although Bangladesh and African countries collaborate extensively in multilateral settings, there is a pressing need to establish regular bilateral political consultations.
She said such initiatives would further deepen mutual understanding and help unlock the full potential of partnerships across a wide range of sectors.
The State Minister held a series of bilateral meetings in Dakar, Senegal on Tuesday on the margins of the “Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa”, reinforcing Bangladesh’s growing engagement with African nations under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Her discussions with African counterparts opened new avenues for partnership, revitalised diplomatic ties and underscored a shared commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In her bilateral meeting with Morissanda Kouyaté, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea, both leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration in agriculture, particularly contract farming, alongside enhancing trade and investment through increased business-to-business exchanges.
They identified mineral resources, garments and textiles and pharmaceuticals as promising sectors for future cooperation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During her bilateral meeting with The Gambia’s Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie, the State Minister expressed appreciation for The Gambia’s continued support in addressing the Rohingya crisis, including its case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice.
The Gambian Minister commended Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.
Both sides emphasised strengthening cooperation in multilateral forums such as the OIC, while expanding engagement in sectors, including trade, defence, technology, agriculture, culture and sports.
In a separate bilateral meeting with Abdoulaye Diop, Foreign Minister of Mali, discussions focused on boosting trade and investment, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments, jute, cotton and leather.
Mali’s Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s significant role in peacekeeping operations in Mali.
Both parties also agreed to deepen cooperation within the Non-Aligned Movement and advance the interests of the Global South.
The State Minister also met Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad of Niger, where discussions centered on strengthening business linkages, expanding trade and enhancing people-to-people connectivity.
Opportunities for collaboration in education, vocational training, agriculture, healthcare, information technology and mineral resources were explored.
In her meeting with Esmeralda Bravo Conde da Silva Mendonça, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Angola, both the highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments, jute and energy.
They also emphasized the early finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding on Foreign Office Consultations and discussed collaboration on women’s empowerment, democracy, peace and security, alongside mutual support in international forums.
Additionally, Richard Michaels, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the US met the State Minister when the later described the United States as a steadfast partner in promoting democracy, strengthening institutions and advancing human rights.
Sadia Faizunnesa, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Morocco and Ambassador-designate to Senegal, accompanied the State Minister during the meetings.