Bangladesh, Egypt discuss to strengthen bilateral ties in 2nd FOC

Bangladesh and Egypt held their second Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) yesterday (6 February) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in New Capital, Cairo.

The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including political and economic collaboration, trade and investment, microcredit, education, agriculture, aquaculture, shipbuilding, defence, and people-to-people connectivity, reads Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release today (7 February).

Regional and global issues of mutual interest were also addressed.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Amb Md Jashim Uddin, foreign secretary of Bangladesh, while the Egyptian delegation was headed by Ahmed Shaheen, assistant foreign minister of Egypt.

The FOC provided an opportunity to explore the collaborations and all potentials the two countries can offer to each other to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties based on age-old friendship and shared aspirations and underscored the importance of high-level political engagement and regular diplomatic consultations to advance bilateral interests.

Both countries stressed the importance of facilitating greater private-sector engagement and agreed to establish a business forum. 

They agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of agriculture and food security including agricultural research, irrigation technology, and sustainable farming practices. Both sides emphasised on expanding educational exchanges, scholarship opportunities and vocational training collaborations.

The Egyptian assistant foreign minister assured that he would consider Bangladesh's request to increase the number of scholarships for Bangladeshi students in Al Azhar University. 

They agreed on the importance of promoting tourism, sports, cultural programmes and ease visa procedures to enhance people-to-people connectivity. 

Both delegations reviewed the progress of existing agreements and discussed the possibility of signing new Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) to facilitate future cooperation. 

The also expressed solidarity with the Palestine people strongly supporting their right to self-determination and statehood and underlining the importance of regional peace and stability. Rohingya issue was also in the agenda. Humanitarian aspects and sustainable solutions of the crisis were underlined.

Jashim Uddin underscored the need for continued global support for a sustainable resolution and informed the Assistant Foreign Minister about the upcoming international conference on Rohingya. 

Both the countries agreed to cooperate in multilateral forums, including the United Nations to support each other's candidacy and emphasised for joint efforts in addressing climate change challenges.

It was decided that the 3rd FOC will be held in Dhaka in 2026 at a mutually convenient time.

On the same day, Jashim Uddin had a meeting with the Vice President of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce Mr Hani Mahmoud.