President seeks more European investment in Bangladesh
During a meeting with seven European ambassadors and the EU envoy, Mirza Fakhrul also sought expanded legal migration pathways and stronger European support for the Rohingya.
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (28 September) sought increased European investment in Bangladesh, highlighting what he described as investment opportunities created by the country's current democratic environment.
The President made the call when the ambassadors of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden, along with Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Michael Miller, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban this morning, according to a press release.
The ambassadors congratulated Mirza Fakhrul on assuming office, and he expressed gratitude for their messages.
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The President expressed satisfaction with the continued progress in relations and cooperation between Bangladesh, European countries and the EU.
"The partnership has now taken a multifaceted shape. New opportunities have emerged to further deepen the cordial relations based on mutual respect," he said.
The European ambassadors reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the government to strengthen mutual trust, friendship and partnership.
They also called for stronger cooperation in trade, good governance, climate action and sustainable development, and urged the creation of a level playing field to increase trade and investment between Bangladesh and EU countries.
The ambassadors reiterated their continued engagement and cooperation in Bangladesh's constitutional, judicial and other important reform initiatives.
The President highlighted the government's commitment to the reforms and assured them of continued cooperation.
On migration, Mirza Fakhrul reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to preventing irregular migration and human trafficking. He urged the expansion of legal migration pathways for skilled workers and called on more EU member states to join the Talent Partnership initiative.
The President also sought increased EU humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya community in Cox's Bazar and urged the bloc to play a stronger role in creating conditions for their safe, voluntary and dignified return to Myanmar.
The ambassadors reiterated their support and cooperation on the issue.
The meeting also discussed regional and global issues, renewable energy, green transition, migration management, education, maritime affairs and technology transfer.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to working together while upholding democracy, human rights, multilateralism, international law and a rules-based international order.
The meeting was attended by Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Moller, French Ambassador Jean-Marc S,r,-Charlet, German Ambassador Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, Dutch Ambassador Joris van Bommel, Spanish Ambassador D Gabriel Mar-a Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru and Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks, along with Miller.
The President's Military Secretary, Secretary, Press Secretary and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present.
