Portugal has attributed Bangladesh's rapid rise in the economic and social sectors in recent times to the existing political stability under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Portugal also acknowledged Bangladesh’s continued regional cooperation in its neighbourhood. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam met Portuguese Minister of Economy and Sea  Antonio Costa Silva on Thursday and discussed the areas of cooperation between the two countries.  Also read:Australia Awards recipients returning home with innovative ideas, knowledge: Speaker Recognizing that there remains considerable potential for cooperation between the countries, the Portuguese minister reiterated that Portugal stands ready to expand collaboration in the diverse areas spanning renewable energy, green transition, marine technology, ocean economy and so on. Shahriar agreed to advance cooperation in these areas and sought Portugal’s support for regional hydropower, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both Bangladesh and Portugal being coastal countries, face common existential threat from climate change and rising sea level, which makes it necessary to foster further climate cooperation.