Bangladesh and Uzbekistan discussed a free trade agreement on Sunday to boost trade and investment between the two countries.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir received Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Aloyev Bakhromjon Juraboyevich in Baghdad on the sidelines of the 52nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers and discussed the issues of mutual interest.
The two sides discussed advancing bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors, including cooperation in trade and investment, air connectivity, tourism, reciprocal support in multilateral fora and enhancing business-to-business contacts.
The state minister is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad taking place from Saturday to Sunday.
On Saturday, he delivered his statement in the plenary session of the Council and called for a stronger, modernised and dynamic OIC to address the challenges facing the entire Muslim Ummah.
State Minister Kobir on Saturday suggested restructuring the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation and undertaking more result-oriented activities to make the organization more meaningful.
He met D-8 Secretary General Sohail Mahmood on the sidelines of the 52nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad and discussed issues of mutual interest.
The state minister discussed various issues under the D-8 framework, including the promotion of intra-D-8 trade and investment, contract farming and visa waivers among member states.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Oman on Saturday discussed ways to explore partnerships in trade and investment, skilled migration, and the possibility of institutionalising a trade framework to advance bilateral relations.
The state minister received the Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Oman Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy in Baghdad on the margin of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
State Minister Kobir and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq Mohammed Hussein on Saturday signed two Memoranda of Understanding in Baghdad on the sidelines of the OIC council meeting.
The MoUs provide for the mutual exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports, and for the establishment of a mechanism for regular political consultations between the two countries.
Major General Md Maksudul Haque, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Republic of Iraq, was also present during the diplomatic engagements.
Why it matters
The proposed free trade agreement and diplomatic talks with Uzbekistan represent a significant step toward expanding Bangladesh's economic footprint and international partnerships.