Bangladesh and Indonesia on Thursday stressed early signing of Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) within the ambit of which potential export items from both countries would be allowed to enter duty free. The two countries agreed to complete the signing of pending MoUs and agreements on a fast-track basis, pursue sector specific agenda and do the needful to expand the volume of bilateral trade and investment. Bangladesh sought Indonesia’s continued support for Rohingya repatriation and appreciated the last ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting which also called for early repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. Indonesia assured to stand beside Bangladesh on Rohingya issue. Bangladesh and Indonesia held their first ever Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on Thursday and discussed the issues. Also read: PM for building infrastructures to reap highest benefits from PTA

The 5th BIMSTEC Summit, preceded by the 17th BIMSTEC Ministerial meeting, is proposed to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka in the first half of January 2021 subject to the improved COVID situation. 

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Tuesday night met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and discussed ways of strengthening cooperation between the two countries. 

Former Bangladesh foreign secretary and immediate-past high commissioner to India Syed Muazzem Ali was fondly remembered as an astute diplomat, fine human being, a brave freedom fighter and a genuine friend of India.