A delegation of the Consular Corps in Bangladesh (CCB) on Sunday paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting the role of honorary consuls in advancing Bangladesh’s economic diplomacy.

The delegation was led by CCB President and Honorary Consul General of Mongolia Nasreen Fatema Awal.

It included Honorary Consul of Ireland Masud Jamil Khan, Honorary Consul General of Yemen K M Mozibul Hoque, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Cyprus Shahab Sattar, Honorary Consul of Portugal Shakhawat Hossain, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia Kazi Shah Muzakker Ahmadul Hoque Ishmam, Honorary Consul General of Greece Faruque Hassan, Honorary Consul of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay Mostafa Quamrus Sobhan and Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Eswatini Morshedul Alam Chaklader.

During the meeting, the delegation briefed the state minister on the contributions of honorary consuls to promoting Bangladesh’s economic diplomacy, including efforts to strengthen bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation with the countries they represent, according to a press release.

The delegation also presented a proposal prepared by K M Mozibul Hoque seeking the reinstatement of certain consular services and privileges to facilitate the effective functioning of honorary consuls.

The CCB thanked the state minister for the warm reception and the constructive exchange of views and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deepen bilateral relations and support Bangladesh’s economic growth and global engagement, the release said.