Dhaka: Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikrom, today invited Italian commercial companies to explore and extract oil and gas resources in Bangladesh's coastal areas as the two countries discussed strengthening parliamentary and economic cooperation. Hafiz extended this invitation during a courtesy call by Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at the Speaker's office in Dhaka.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Speaker highlighted the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Italy, noting that Italy recognized Bangladesh in 1972, shortly after its independence. He emphasized that Italy has consistently demonstrated generosity towards Bangladeshi migrants and is a significant destination for Bangladeshi export products among European Union countries.
Hafiz Uddin mentioned that Bangladesh has resumed its democratic journey following the national parliamentary election in February, which has further solidified the country's relations with democratic nations worldwide, according to a press release from the parliament secretariat. He commended Italy's initiatives to promote safe and legal migration for Bangladeshi workers and its financial assistance to Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya issue.
The Speaker also acknowledged Italy as an essential commercial partner in supplying defense equipment to Bangladesh, pointing out the significant presence of Italian machinery and equipment in the Bangladeshi market. He expressed optimism that the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Italy would expand further on a strategic level.
Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro reiterated that Bangladesh remains an old friend of Italy and affirmed the Italian government's strong support for Bangladesh's democratic progress. He showed interest in enhancing parliamentary diplomacy through the formation of a Bangladesh-Italy parliamentary friendship group and exchanges of parliamentary delegations.
During the meeting, both parties stressed the importance of forming a parliamentary friendship group, resolving the ongoing Rohingya crisis, and exploring oil and gas in Bangladesh's coastal areas to address the country's energy needs. They discussed the potential for exploration and drilling of oil and gas wells in the coastal region.
The Speaker invited Italian commercial companies to participate actively in the exploration and extraction of oil and gas resources in Bangladesh's coastal areas. Diplomatic representatives of the Italian Embassy and relevant officials of the Parliament Secretariat attended the meeting.