Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim were productive as the talks covered bilateral cooperation, regional and international developments, and various issues of mutual interest to the two countries.
After a one-to-one meeting with the Malaysian Prime Minister on Monday, Tarique Rahman said that Bangladesh and Malaysia had reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations. To this end, both sides agreed to enhance communication and engagement through the Joint Commission Meeting and the existing bilateral consultation mechanism between the foreign ministries of the two countries.
The Prime Minister said that both sides welcomed the growth in bilateral trade and agreed to advance discussions on a Bangladesh-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cultural cooperation was signed. In addition, a document on cooperation in research and capacity building for counter-terrorism efforts and a bilateral investment-related document were exchanged. The Prime Minister described these initiatives as important steps towards deepening relations between the two countries.
He said that today’s discussions would mark the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh-Malaysia relations and contribute to shared prosperity, regional peace, and a more inclusive international order.
The Prime Minister stated that his government’s primary objectives are to create employment opportunities, attract foreign investment, and accelerate economic growth. Emphasising efforts to establish an investment-friendly environment and generate new opportunities, he urged Malaysian investors to take advantage of the investment prospects available in Bangladesh.
The bilateral talks also focused on cooperation in information and communication technology (ICT), energy, infrastructure, manpower, the halal industry, agro-processing, education, skills development, defence, the digital economy, semiconductors, and other high-value-added sectors.
The Prime Minister said that Bangladeshi workers, students, professionals and entrepreneurs in Malaysia serve as an important bridge between the two countries, and their contributions are significant to the economies and societies of both nations.
He expressed gratitude for Malaysia’s continued support for the safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas .
He further stated that Bangladesh is keen to develop closer relations with ASEAN and hopes to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner. Bangladesh also reiterated its interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The meeting also discussed various global issues, including the situation in the Middle East. The Prime Minister said that both countries agreed to continue cooperation at the United Nations and other international forums.
He thanked Malaysia for supporting Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Prime Minister invited Anwar Ibrahim and his spouse to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time, saying that the people of Bangladesh would be proud to welcome them.
JB/SA
