During a bilateral meeting on Friday evening in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed a commitment to transforming the relationship with Bangladesh into a partnership. The meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud focused on key areas of collaboration, emphasizing the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the activation of the Joint Business Council (JBC) for enhanced economic ties.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud initiated the meeting by presenting an invitation letter from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the UAE President, inviting him to visit Bangladesh in celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Highlighting the historical ties between the two nations, Hasan praised the UAE’s progress over the past five decades and underscored Bangladesh’s achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The ministers discussed bilateral cooperation, exploring new areas such as energy security, food security, environment, climate change, renewable energy, and enhancing people-to-people communication. Hasan emphasized investment potential from the UAE in developing the Matarbari Exclusive Economic Zone, port and logistics management, and the gifted land in Rangunia.
The UAE Foreign Minister expressed interest in advancing ongoing investments and the leaders exchanged views on regional issues, including Rohingya repatriation and efforts to end the Gaza war.
In response to Hasan’s request, Sheikh Abdullah gave a positive response to simplifying the visa process for Bangladeshis in various trades, including graduate nurses, caregivers, healthcare technicians, agriculturists, farmers, and professionals, and easing the transfer of work permits.
Ambassador of Bangladesh to the UAE, Md. Abu Zafar, and Director General of the West Asia wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Md. Shafiqur Rahman, were present during the meeting, reflecting the diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
