State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Sunday encouraged greater Swedish investment in renewable energy, green technology, pharmaceuticals, engineering and telecommunications.

The two countries noted the potential for expanding economic engagement and exchanged views on Bangladesh’s LDC graduation and future trade arrangements with the European Union.

The issues were discussed when Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks paid a courtesy call on the State Minister at the Ministry.

The Ambassador congratulated the State Minister on his assumption of office and exchanged views on further strengthening Bangladesh-Sweden relations.

The State Minister described Sweden as a trusted and longstanding partner of Bangladesh and appreciated Sweden’s support for Bangladesh’s socio-economic development, democratic transition and institutional strengthening, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussions covered development assistance, trade and investment, migration governance, and climate change among others.

The State Minister appreciated Sweden's co-hosting, with Bangladesh, of the high-level event on Midwifery into Primary Health Care on the sidelines of the UNGA-81 last month.

On migration, both sides discussed promoting safe, orderly and regular migration, including enhanced cooperation in skilled migration and vocational training.

The State Minister sought Sweden’s continued support for a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis, including the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar. He further urged Sweden’s support to maintain international attention on the crisis.

Ambassador Weeks reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expressed readiness to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

He appreciated Bangladesh’s efforts towards democratic reforms and its continued humanitarian support for the Rohingyas.

He also reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to working closely with Bangladesh in relevant multilateral fora towards their safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues and expressed their commitment to continued cooperation in relevant international fora.

The meeting concluded in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides expressing confidence that continued engagement would further strengthen Bangladesh-Sweden relations.