Bangladesh has renewed its commitment to strengthening ties with Senegal and other African nations under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, as both sides have agreed to expand political and economic cooperation.
The commitment was given when State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam held a bilateral meeting with Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang on the sidelines of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, said a foreign ministry’s press release here today.
Minister Niang welcomed Bangladesh’s decision to send a delegation to the forum and appreciated the state minister’s participation despite the long journey.
During the meeting, the Bangladesh side recalled the historic March 1981 visit of Ziaur Rahman to Senegal, noting it was the first visit by a Bangladeshi head of state to the African country.
The state minister also briefed her counterpart on Bangladesh’s recent general elections and the mandate secured by the ruling party.
Both ministers agreed to hold Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) at the earliest opportunity to consolidate bilateral relations through enhanced political dialogue and broader cooperation across sectors.
Dhaka stressed the importance of establishing a Joint Trade Commission (JRC) and exchanging business delegations to boost bilateral trade and investment.
The Bangladesh side highlighted strengths in ready-made garments, textiles, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, leather, raw jute, jute goods and ICT, while proposing cooperation in agriculture and agro-processing.
Minister Niang praised Bangladesh’s significant contributions to peacekeeping and peace building efforts in Africa and reaffirmed Senegal’s readiness to work closely with Dhaka in multilateral forums.
The two sides also discussed the possibility of opening resident diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals.
The state minister invited the Senegalese foreign minister to visit Bangladesh, which he accepted in principle for a mutually convenient time.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Morocco and Ambassador-designate to Senegal Sadia Faizunnesa accompanied the state minister during the meeting.
Later, the state minister gave interviews to local daily Le Soleil and Senegalese National Television, highlighting the new government’s initiatives for peace, development and stability, with particular emphasis on women’s welfare.
MSH
