Bangladesh, UAE talk trade, energy and labour mobility at Dhaka meeting

The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Bangladesh, Abdulla Ali Abdulla Alhmoudi, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday, reaffirming what both sides described as the longstanding friendship and deepening partnership between Bangladesh and the UAE.

During the meeting, the foreign minister expressed appreciation for the greetings conveyed by the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and said Bangladesh, under its 'Bangladesh First' policy, aims to elevate relations with the UAE to a broader strategic and economic partnership.

Discussions focused on expediting negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure and public-private partnership (PPP) projects, according to officials. The foreign minister also acknowledged the UAE's hosting of approximately 1.2 million Bangladeshi expatriates and called for the reopening of labour visas and the facilitation of business and transit visas.

Earlier, the UAE ambassador also met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. She emphasised the importance of high-level exchanges and regular meetings under existing bilateral mechanisms to identify opportunities and further advance cooperation.