Somalia has agreed to a Bangladesh proposal on joint contract farming in the African country for better use of its huge unutilized cultivable land.

Visiting State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia Balal Mohamed Cusman agreed to the proposal made by Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen when the two met on Wednesday.  

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Balal Mohamed met Momen on the sidelines of IORA 21st meeting of Council of Ministers and discussed bilateral issues.

Both sides agreed to establish cooperation in education, IT and agriculture sectors as well as develop the existing trade and commerce. 

Dr Momen proposed that the agreement on cooperation on avoidance of double taxation may be signed between two countries. 

He also sought the support of Somalia on the issue of safe and dignified return of the displaced Rohingya people to their homeland. 

The Balal Mohamed sought support of Bangladesh for Somalia contesting for UN Security Council Election in 2025-2026 turn. 

He expressed his heartfelt thanks for the warm welcome extended by Bangladesh side to the Somalian delegation during IORA conference. 

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Foreign Minister Momen informed that Bangladesh is observing the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who dreamt for emancipation of the people across the globe. 

He apprised the Somalian State Minister about the extensive vaccination programme of the Bangladesh Government as well as Government plan for coproduction of Covid vaccine to immunize the people. 

Momen also apprised him about the development march of Bangladesh and said that Bangladesh is maintaining robust economic growth despite the effect of Covid Pandemic. 

He underlined that both countries may cooperate in various areas including agriculture, education and IT &ICT. 

The Foreign Minister suggested that Somalian students may choose to study in Bangladesh private Universities as education is being offered in various disciplines. 

He also mentioned that Bangladesh has made lot of progress in agricultural research areas as well as agricultural production. 

Bangladesh is exporting pharmaceuticals to a large number of countries. 

Bangladesh also has acquired expertise in ship building and it is producing ship, burges and boats. 

Momen mentioned that Bangladesh has earned expertise in sectors like IT and ICT, agriculture including fisheries and livestock.  

He said Bangladesh and Somalia maintain friendly cooperation. 

Somalia has been supporting international candidature of Bangladesh. 

He sought support of Somalia at the next IMO and Human Rights Councils.