Bangladesh, Germany seek stronger trade, strategic ties
The commitment was reaffirmed when Director General for Asia and the Pacific at the German Federal Foreign Office, Frank Hartmann, paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam
Bangladesh and Germany today (9 June) reiterated their commitment to deepening political and economic cooperation, with both sides emphasising expanded trade, investment and multilateral collaboration to further strengthen bilateral relations.
The commitment was reaffirmed when Director General for Asia and the Pacific at the German Federal Foreign Office, Frank Hartmann, paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the foreign ministry, said a ministry's press release.
German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz accompanied the visiting official during the meeting.
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During the talks, the two sides underscored the importance of advancing the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and Germany, which they said has brought mutual benefits to both countries.
They discussed opportunities for diversifying and strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, supply chains, skills development, migration, people-to-people exchanges, and peace and security.
Hartmann stressed the need to broaden and enhance bilateral trade relations, saying stronger economic ties could help stimulate cooperation in other sectors.
The two sides also discussed the possibility of holding bilateral consultations and exchanging high-level visits to inject further momentum into the growing partnership.
The German official congratulated Bangladesh on its election to the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026-27 term.
Shama highlighted the importance of intensifying cooperation at the multilateral level and reiterated the need for stronger and sustained international attention and support to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
Both sides emphasised the significance of concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and the European Union to facilitate greater trade and economic engagement.
The discussions also covered regional and global developments, with both countries stressing the importance of peace, stability and enhanced international cooperation.
Earlier, Hartmann met Secretary (East and West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Md. Nazrul Islam and exchanged views on ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
