Bangladesh Foreign Affairs State Minister Humaiyun Kobir has urged increased French investment in Bangladesh and called for greater bilateral cooperation in sectors including infrastructure, renewable energy, space, technology and pharmaceuticals.
The issues were discussed when French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet paid a courtesy call on Humaiyun Kobir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, the two sides also discussed creating greater opportunities for legal and regular labour mobility between Bangladesh and France.
Humaiyun Kobir said Bangladesh maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward irregular migration and human trafficking, and expressed Bangladesh’s readiness to work closely with France to address these challenges.
Ambassador Séré-Charlet congratulated Humaiyun Kobir on assuming office as State Minister and discussed ways to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and partnership between Bangladesh and France.
Humaiyun Kobir expressed appreciation for France’s continued engagement with Bangladesh, including its support for the country’s socio-economic development, democratic transition and institutional strengthening.
He also said Bangladesh is interested in expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly trade and investment, defence, aviation, education, culture and human capital development.
The two sides exchanged views on priorities and expectations regarding the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), as well as regional and global issues including climate change and multilateral cooperation.
Ambassador Séré-Charlet reaffirmed France’s readiness to further enhance cooperation across areas of mutual interest and acknowledged the Bangladesh government’s efforts toward democratic reforms.
Humaiyun Kobir also expressed appreciation for France’s continued humanitarian assistance to the 1.3 million Rohingyas sheltering in Bangladesh.
Both sides expressed readiness to work together to facilitate the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas.
The two sides expressed confidence that continued engagement and increased cooperation would further strengthen relations between Bangladesh and France.
Ref: Bangladesh Media.
