Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates have reviewed the bilateral relations ahead of expected visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the UAE in March as the two countries eye to elevate the relationship to a comprehensive partnership.

The Prime Minister will visit the UAE at the invitation of her UAE counterpart and the Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen held a bilateral meeting with the UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah-bin-Zayed Al Nahyan in Dubai on Sunday and discussed the issues of mutual interest and upcoming visit.

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Dr Momen congratulated the UAE leadership and people on their 50th anniversary of their nationhood while appreciating the spectacular achievements during the last five decades.

Two Foreign Ministers agreed to organize some special events to mark the twin golden jubilee of nationhood of Bangladesh and UAE, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

Both the Foreign Ministers recalled the existing excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and underlined the need to work together in all areas of cooperation to the mutual benefits of the two peoples.

Among the issues, they highlighted mutual commitment to deeper political engagement, cooperation in trade, commerce, investment and economic areas, enhanced air and maritime connectivity especially establishing direct shipping links between the two countries’ seaports and introducing direct cargo flights to maintain seamless and uninterrupted supply chains.

Both the Foreign Ministers also agreed to explore new contours of collaboration in the field of agriculture and food security, culture, cooperation in the field of science, innovation and technology with focus on ICT, IoT and digitalization in order to elevate the relationship to a comprehensive partnership.

Also read: FM to visit UAE from Feb 10-13 to attend series of events

The two Foreign Ministers also exchanged views on the regional and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Dr Momen briefed the UAE Foreign Minister of the situation arising out of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals currently sheltered in Bangladesh and sought continued cooperation and support of the UAE for an early resolution of the crisis.

He extended an invitation to the UAE Foreign Minister to visit Bangladesh at his convenience which was graciously accepted by Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Foreign Minister Dr Momen led a seven-member delegation to the UAE on a bilateral visit from February 10-13.

During his stay in Abu Dhabi, Dr Momen also met the Director General, IRENA and attended several programmes including the Bangladesh Business Council meeting in Dubai and seminar organized at Dubai EXPO 2020 by Bangladesh Tourism Board, seminar at Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, in Abu Dhabi.

He also inaugurated the Bangabandhu Corner at Bangladesh Consulate, Dubai and visited a Skill Development Centre for Bangladeshi workers there.