Both sides underscored the importance of holding regular consultations to fully harness the potential of Bangladesh-EU relations.
Photo: UNB/FreePik
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Photo: UNB/FreePik
Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) have expressed a renewed commitment to deepening their long-standing and multifaceted partnership.
The fifth round of Bangladesh-EU Diplomatic Consultations was held today (29 April) after a gap of nearly five years.
The consultations were co-chaired by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Erik Kurzweil, managing director for Asia Pacific of the European External Action Service.
The meeting reviewed Bangladesh-EU relations and explored cooperation in priority sectors, with Bangladesh emphasising a forward-looking partnership in line with evolving strategic and economic realities.
The discussions took on added significance following the recent initialing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), which both sides expect will provide a structured and comprehensive framework for future cooperation once internal processes are finalised.
Photo: Courtesy
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Photo: Courtesy
The EU acknowledged Bangladesh’s February 2026 parliamentary elections, referring to the final report of its Election Observation Mission. The two sides also exchanged views on democratic governance, human rights and the rule of law.
Bangladesh officials noted that the new government, formed with a significant public mandate, seeks to infuse “fresh dynamism” into bilateral ties to realise untapped potential.
Bangladesh highlighted the importance of preferential market access to sustain trade ties and outlined its interest in future arrangements, including a possible Free Trade Agreement and an Investment Protection Agreement.
Discussions also covered cooperation in research and innovation, with Bangladesh expressing interest in broader participation in Horizon Europe and joint initiatives on knowledge exchange, technology transfer and capacity building.
On migration, Bangladesh highlighted progress in labour sector reforms and stressed the importance of expanding safe and regular migration pathways. Both sides also emphasised strengthening cooperation to combat human trafficking and irregular migration.
Photo: Courtesy
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Photo: Courtesy
On climate change, Bangladesh reiterated its vulnerabilities and emphasised the importance of enhanced access to climate finance, technology transfer, and support for adaptation and resilience efforts, including under initiatives such as the EU’s Global Gateway.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the Middle East crisis, and reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order. Bangladesh reiterated the need for sustained international support to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
Both sides underscored the importance of holding regular consultations to fully harness the potential of Bangladesh-EU relations.
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