Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has called for increased French investment in Bangladesh, emphasizing the potential for expanded cooperation in key sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, space technology, and pharmaceuticals. During a meeting with the French Ambassador to Bangladesh, Jean-Marc S©r©-Charlet, the State Minister also highlighted the importance of facilitating greater opportunities for legal labor mobility between the two nations.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the discussions took place during a courtesy call at the Ministry, where the State Minister reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards irregular migration and human trafficking. He expressed Bangladesh's willingness to collaborate closely with France to address these challenges. The meeting also provided a platform for exchanging views on strengthening the longstanding partnership and friendship between Bangladesh and France.
The State Minister acknowledged France's ongoing support for Bangladesh's socio-economic development, democratic transition, and institutional strengthening. He expressed a keen interest in enhancing engagement in mutual areas of interest, including trade and investment, defense, aviation, education, culture, and human capital development. The discussions further delved into priorities and expectations for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), as well as regional and global issues such as climate change and multilateral engagement.
Ambassador S©r©-Charlet reaffirmed France's readiness to enhance cooperation across all areas of mutual interest and appreciated the Bangladeshi government's efforts toward democratic reforms. He also expressed France's interest in closely collaborating with Bangladesh. The State Minister, in turn, appreciated France's continued humanitarian support for the 1.3 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and emphasized the importance of their safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation.
Both sides expressed confidence that sustained engagement and enhanced cooperation would further strengthen Bangladesh-France relations, providing additional momentum for future collaboration.