Bangladesh, Uruguay hold first-ever bilateral consultations

Bangladesh and Uruguay held their first-ever bilateral political consultations today (7 January) at the State Guest House Padma, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Bilateral Political Consultations.

The MoU was signed to establish an institutional framework for regular, structured, and comprehensive dialogue. Bangladesh and Uruguay established diplomatic relations in 1972, according to a press release.

The MoU was signed by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla, the non-resident Uruguayan ambassador to Bangladesh, who also led their respective delegations during the consultations.

During the discussions, both sides reviewed existing cooperation across multiple areas. Bangladesh proposed enhancing collaboration in trade and investment, science and technology, defence training, disaster management, people-to-people exchanges, health, education, energy, agriculture, sports, and capacity building.

Both countries also agreed to encourage greater private sector engagement, including regular interactions between their apex chambers of commerce and industries.

Uruguay expressed particular interest in expanding cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and livestock, energy, and sports.

Both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, reaffirming their commitment to multilateralism and cooperation under the United Nations framework.

The Bangladesh delegation briefed the Uruguayan side on the Rohingya humanitarian situation and sought continued international support.

The delegations agreed to maintain close engagement and to convene the next round of consultations at a mutually convenient time. They also underscored the importance of high-level exchanges and visits in further consolidating and advancing the bilateral relations.