The European Union (EU) has signaled its commitment to enhancing collaboration with Bangladesh in the future. European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, and European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, conveyed this sentiment in separate meetings with Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud in Brussels. These discussions took place on Friday evening on the sidelines of the 3rd EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum.
In these meetings, both European Commissioners expressed their interest in deepening cooperation and strengthening the partnership between the EU and Bangladesh. The focus was on addressing various issues through increased collaboration.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud also engaged in bilateral meetings with officials from several EU member countries, including the Foreign Ministers of the Netherlands, Austria, Hungary, Portugal, and Lithuania. The discussions during these meetings encompassed mutual interests, with an emphasis on boosting trade and investment.
Dr. Hasan urged for heightened international pressure on Myanmar to facilitate the repatriation of Rohingyas, ensuring their return with full rights. The Foreign Minister also had constructive exchanges with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell Fontelles, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, and Foreign Minister of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon.
