Bangladesh, France seek stronger cooperation in key sectors

Bangladesh and France today (17 September) expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, defence, aviation, education, renewable energy, technology and human capital development.

The commitment was expressed when French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here this morning.

During the meeting, the French envoy congratulated Kobir on his assumption of office and exchanged views on ways to further deepen the longstanding friendship and partnership between the two countries.

The state minister appreciated France's continued engagement with Bangladesh, including its support for the country's socio-economic development, democratic transition and institutional strengthening.

He expressed Bangladesh's interest in expanding cooperation with France in areas of mutual interest, particularly trade and investment, defence, aviation, education, culture and human capital development.

Kobir encouraged greater French investment in Bangladesh, highlighting opportunities in promising sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, space, technology and pharmaceuticals.

He also underscored the importance of creating greater opportunities for legal and regular labour mobility between Bangladesh and France.

In this regard, the state minister reaffirmed Bangladesh's zero-tolerance policy towards irregular migration and human trafficking and expressed Dhaka's readiness to work closely with Paris in addressing these challenges.

Ambassador Sere-Charlet reaffirmed France's readiness to enhance cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.

He appreciated the government's efforts towards democratic reforms and expressed France's interest in working closely with Bangladesh.

The two sides also exchanged views on priorities and expectations surrounding the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), as well as regional and global issues, including climate change and multilateral cooperation.

They reiterated their commitment to working together in international fora.

Kobir appreciated France's continued humanitarian support for the 1.3 million Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh.

Both sides expressed readiness to work together towards the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing confidence that continued engagement and enhanced cooperation would give further momentum to Bangladesh-France relations.