Italian vice-minister assures expedited decisions on long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers

Vice Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Maria Tripodi, has assured of expedited decisions on long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers.

She met with Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain this morning (19 February) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reads a press release.

On the issue of migration, both sides commended contribution of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy to both the economies. They prioritized the need for expanding legal migration pathways while affirming joint efforts to tackle irregular migration, human trafficking and migrant exploitation.

As raised by the foreign adviser with deep concern, the vice-minister assured of expedited decisions on long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers, reads the statement.

Referring to the warm bilateral relations since 1972, Vice Minister Tripodi conveyed firm support of the Italian Government to the Interim Government of Bangladesh and appreciated its ongoing reform initiatives towards building a peaceful Bangladesh. She expressed satisfaction over the trade relations between the two countries, further desired to expand cooperation, particularly in textile and defence sectors.

The foreign adviser welcomed the Vice minister to Dhaka on her first visit. Based on the dynamic economic relations between Bangladesh and Italy, he urged more Italian investment, especially in the greenfield sectors.

He also apprised that the present government, particularly, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), is working relentlessly to create better business environment in Bangladesh with simplifying the processes for foreign investors. Highlighting that Bangladesh wants to diversify its sourcing for defence materials, he also welcomed Italian interest in contributing to the modernization of the defence sector of Bangladesh.

Vice Minister Tripodi lauded Bangladesh's generous hosting of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar and reiterated continued humanitarian and political support of Italy. Pointing to the present political situation in Myanmar with control of non-state actors in the bordering area, the foreign adviser expressed concern over the complex challenges Bangladesh is facing. Sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar, is the only solution to this problem, he emphasised.

The Italian vice minister is on a 2-day-long official visit to Bangladesh. This is the first ministerial visit from any EU country since the formation of the interim government.

After arrival at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport yesterday afternoon, she was warmly received by Abul Hasan Mridha, director general (West Europe and EU), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.