Dhaka:Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Anis Matta, expressed interest in transforming the relationship between Indonesia and Bangladesh into a long-term strategic partnership during his visit to Bangladesh. His meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Humaiun Kobir, focused on enhancing bilateral relations.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the bilateral discussions included a wide range of topics such as trade and investment, energy cooperation, health collaboration, disaster management, education, and consular cooperation. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties at regional and multilateral levels.
Humaiun Kobir presented five proposals to deepen the relationship, including restoring visa-on-arrival for Bangladeshi nationals, increasing pharmaceutical imports from Bangladesh, procuring jute bags for eco-friendly packaging in Indonesia, opening the Indonesian market for Bangladeshi potatoes, and establishing institutional cooperation in disaster management. A draft Memorandum of Understanding on Disaster Management was handed over to Vice Minister Matta.
State Minister Kobir emphasized the potential for collaboration in the halal food market and proposed exploring a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The meeting also discussed potential joint projects for the next five to ten years and the possibility of direct flights between Dhaka and Jakarta to boost connectivity.
Vice Minister Matta appreciated the proposals and assured Indonesia's support for Bangladesh's efforts in various international forums, including Bangladesh's application for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. He also expressed support for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
The meeting was attended by officials from the South East Asia Wing, high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and ambassadors from both countries.