President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has sought increased European investment in Bangladesh, highlighting opportunities created by what he described as the country’s current healthy democratic environment.
He made the call when ambassadors of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden, along with the Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban, President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam told BSS.
The ambassadors congratulated Mirza Fakhrul on assuming office as President, and he thanked them for their messages.
The President expressed satisfaction over continued progress in relations and cooperation between Bangladesh and 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.
Mirza Fakhrul reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to preventing irregular migration and human trafficking. At the same time, he called for expanding legal migration pathways for skilled workers and urged more EU member states to join the Talent Partnership initiative.
The ambassadors expressed their commitment to working closely with the government to strengthen mutual trust, friendship and partnership.
They 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.
They also reiterated their support for Bangladesh’s constitutional, judicial and other reform initiatives. The President highlighted the government’s commitment to the reforms and assured continued cooperation.
Mirza Fakhrul also sought increased humanitarian assistance from the EU for the Rohingya community in Cox’s Bazar and urged a stronger European role in creating conditions for their safe, voluntary and dignified return to Myanmar.
The ambassadors reiterated their support 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 reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation based on democracy, human rights, multilateralism, international law and a rules-based international order.
Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh Ambassador Michael Miller, Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Moller, French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, Dutch Ambassador Joris van Bommel, Spanish Ambassador D. Gabriel María Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru and Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks were present.
The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary, Press Secretary and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present.
