Bangladesh, EU discuss path to formal FTA negotiations

Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) today (16 September) discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in trade and investments including early progression towards formal negotiations on the Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with a view to strengthening long-term economic ties.

They also exchanged views on migration management, aviation sector, and sustainable development, among others.

The issues were discussed when Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at the ministry.

He conveyed his warm congratulations to the State Minister on his assumption of office, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the longstanding and mutually beneficial Bangladesh-EU partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the multifaceted engagement.

The State Minister conveyed Bangladesh's appreciation for the EU's trusted and reliable partnership and reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to multilateralism, democratic values and rules-based international order.

He also appreciated the EU's constructive engagement in Bangladesh for democratic transition, including through the EU Election Observation Mission and its support for ongoing reform process.

They also exchanged views on the upcoming United nations General Assembly (UNGA) and expressed their readiness to discuss on various issues of mutual interest on the sidelines of UNGA.

The State Minister appreciated the EU's continued humanitarian support for the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh.

Both sides also expressed their readiness in discussing the Rohingya issue on the sidelines of the upcoming UNGA to keep it high on the international agenda.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Bangladesh-EU cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.