Bangladesh in talks with UAE on direct shipping links, cargo flights
PM’s visit to the oil-rich nation due in March
Bangladesh is now in discussions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to enhance air and maritime connectivity by establishing direct shipping links between the two countries' seaports and by introducing direct cargo flights to maintain seamless and uninterrupted supply chains.
During a meeting between Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held in Dubai on Sunday, they laid importance to working together in all areas of cooperation for mutual benefits of the two countries and their people.
They also highlighted mutual commitment to deeper political engagement, cooperation in trade, commerce, investment and economic areas.
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The two foreign ministers reviewed bilateral relations between Dhaka and Abu Dhabi ahead of the Bangladesh premier's visit at the meeting, a foreign ministry press release said Monday.
Sheikh Hasina is expected to visit the UAE in March at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.
Both the ministers also agreed to explore new contours of collaboration in the field of agriculture and food security, culture, science, innovation and technology with focus on ICT, and digitalization to elevate the relationship to a comprehensive partnership.
Abdul Momen apprised the UAE foreign minister of the situation arising out of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals currently sheltered in Bangladesh and sought continued cooperation and support of the UAE for an early resolution of the crisis.
The Bangladesh foreign minister congratulated the UAE leadership for their spectacular achievements during the last five decades.
In this regard, the two foreign ministers agreed to organise some special events to mark the twin golden jubilee of the nationhood of Bangladesh and the UAE.
Abdul Momen led a seven-member delegation to the UAE on a bilateral visit on February 10-13.
During his stay in Abu Dhabi, Momen also met the Director General, IRENA and attended several programmes as chief guests, including the Bangladesh Business Council meeting in Dubai, and a seminar organised at Dubai EXPO 2020 by Bangladesh Tourism Board, a seminar at Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research in Abu Dhabi.
