Bangladesh, EU move to deepen ties as diplomatic talks resume after 5 years
Migration, trade access and climate finance discussed in talks
Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) have expressed a renewed commitment to deepening their long-standing partnership.
The fifth round of Bangladesh-EU Diplomatic Consultations was held today (29 April) after a gap of nearly five years, according to a press statement.
The consultations were co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Erik Kurzweil, managing director for Asia Pacific at the European External Action Service.
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The meeting reviewed Bangladesh-EU relations and explored cooperation in priority sectors, with Dhaka emphasising a forward-looking partnership in line with evolving strategic and economic realities, according to the statement.
The discussions followed the recent initialling of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), which both sides expect will provide a structured framework for future cooperation once internal processes are finalised.
The EU acknowledged Bangladesh's February 2026 parliamentary elections, referring to the final report of its Election Observation Mission. The two sides also exchanged views on democratic governance, human rights and the rule of law.
According to the statement, the new government, formed with a public mandate, seeks to bring fresh momentum to bilateral ties and realise untapped potential.
Bangladesh highlighted the importance of preferential market access to sustain trade ties and outlined interest in future arrangements, including a possible Free Trade Agreement and an Investment Protection Agreement.
Discussions also covered cooperation in research and innovation, with Bangladesh expressing interest in broader participation in Horizon Europe and joint initiatives on knowledge exchange, technology transfer and capacity building.
On migration, Bangladesh highlighted progress in labour sector reforms and stressed the importance of expanding safe and regular migration pathways. Both sides also emphasised cooperation to combat human trafficking and irregular migration.
On climate change, Bangladesh reiterated its vulnerabilities and stressed the need for enhanced access to climate finance, technology transfer and support for adaptation and resilience, including under initiatives such as the EU's Global Gateway.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the Middle East crisis, and reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order. Bangladesh reiterated the need for sustained international support to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
Both sides underscored the importance of holding regular consultations to fully harness the potential of Bangladesh-EU relations, the statement added.
