The 2nd Foreign Office Consultations between Bangladesh and the Islamic Republic of Iran was held in Dhaka on Thursday. Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Ambassador Masud Bin Momen and First Deputy Minister (Political Affairs) of Iran Ali Bagheri Kani led their respective delegations to the Consultations. The Consultations reviewed the status of the bilateral relations between the two fraternal countries and discussed ways to enhance further cooperation and partnership in the field of commerce and trade, investment in the economic zones, human resource development, people-to-people ties, food security, energy, connectivity, Blue Economy, climate change cooperation and so forth. The two sides underscored the importance of the exchange of high-level visits and timely implementation of the agreements signed between the two countries. The Bangladesh side requested a deeper engagement of Iran to facilitate sustainable return of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to their country of origin. They exchanged views on global issues and issues of regional cooperation as well. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation and partnership bilaterally and in various regional and multinational forums on matters of core concern. A roadmap for future cooperation agenda was also agreed on, including the convening of the next Joint Commission meeting in Tehran. Read more: Argentine foreign minister likely to visit Bangladesh next March: Momen

Netherlands has put emphasis on an accommodating business climate for foreign investment and trade, as well as adherence to global labour and environmental standards, to attract more foreign investment and business to Bangladesh. The Bangladesh side underscored the need for promoting responsible business conduct in the global supply chain and for continued international support measures after its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Bangladesh and the Netherlands held the Foreign Office Consultations on Thursday virtually and discussed the issues. Both countries shared their concerns about recent developments in Myanmar, including the serious challenges these developments pose for the safe, sustainable, dignified and voluntary return of the Rohingyas to their homeland. Also read: Dutch investors urged to invest in Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector for growth, diversification The two countries also reiterated their continued commitment to justice and accountability for the human rights violations committed in Myanmar. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Ambassador Masud Bin Momen while the Netherlands delegation was led by the Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Paul Huijts. The fourth round of Foreign Office Consultations took place amid Bangladesh’s Golden Jubilee and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birth centenary celebrations, and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The Netherlands and Bangladesh have maintained an enduring friendship over the course of those 50 years, marked by a significant Dutch role in Bangladesh’s early infrastructural development and water management and food security efforts, now considered key successes for both countries. Also read: Dutch NGOs reiterate support to Bangladesh Both delegation leaders acknowledged the impact COVID-19 has had on their societies and shared their views on post-COVID-19 economic recovery to ‘build back better’. They noted the strong ties between the two countries over the past 50 years and elaborated on political and economic developments as well as the evolving nature of the bilateral relationship, with a shift from development cooperation to economic cooperation. Both sides agreed to continue exchanging views on human rights and rule of law, including in multilateral fora. The delegations held an in-depth discussion on how to further strengthen the economic ties and knowledge exchange in a wide variety of areas, including water management, agriculture, digitalisation and climate adaptation. The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 was specifically discussed as a key vehicle for integrating cooperation on water management and food security. Also read: Swedish, Dutch envoys for maintaining focus on Rohingya crisis until their repatriation The two delegation leaders discussed developments in the region, including the current focus on increasing cooperation and connectivity between the EU and the Indo-Pacific region. The Netherlands expressed its gratitude for Bangladesh’s hospitality towards the Rohingya people and noted ongoing discussions on humanitarian issues between the international donor community and Bangladesh. The Foreign Office Consultations underlined the willingness of both countries to explore and take up opportunities to further deepen and diversify the bilateral ties.

Bangladesh and Australia want to expand bilateral relations with more trade, investment and cooperation in human resource development.

International Farakka Committee (IFC), an environmental and water rights watch group, has said that agreements on basinwide water management of the natural common rivers is now a demand of the time.

Bangladesh and India will hold the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between the two countries on January 29 to have comprehensive discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations.

Bangladesh has urged Uzbekistan to sign an agreement in the field of tourism, to finalise agreement on avoiding double taxation for traders, and setting up an Embassy in Dhaka.

Bangladesh and Jordan are in discussions to convene bilateral Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), with a view to strengthening the bilateral relations in areas of tourism, trade and investment, employment and recruitment of Bangladeshi workers in Jordan.