Bangladesh and the Netherlands on Thursday discussed political and economic developments, the Bangladesh-European Union Free Trade Agreement, LDC graduation, migration cooperation, human capital development, semiconductor technology, education, sports, and regional and multilateral issues.
The discussions took place when the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, Joris van Bommel, met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at the Ministry in the afternoon.
During the meeting, the Dutch envoy briefed the state minister on the upcoming visit of Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ambassador congratulated the state minister on his recent assumption of office and expressed confidence in further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
State Minister Humaiun Kobir appreciated the Netherlands' longstanding support for Bangladesh's development, particularly in democratic transition, trade, investment, sustainable industrial development, water, and agriculture.
The state minister also thanked the Netherlands for its continued support to the Rohingya and host communities, reiterating the importance of safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar.
The ambassador reaffirmed the Netherlands' commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, specifically in water management, agriculture, shipping, maritime infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges.
Both sides underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement and enhanced cooperation across various bilateral and multilateral fora to advance mutual interests.
Why it matters
The meeting reinforces diplomatic and economic ties between Bangladesh and the Netherlands, setting the stage for forthcoming ministerial visits and expanded bilateral cooperation.