Málaga:Spain State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has expressed her gratitude for the support provided by European Union (EU) member states, including Spain, towards Bangladesh's democratic progression. She conveyed her appreciation during a meeting with the Mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre Prados, held at the Mayor's Office in Spain.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the meeting, Shama Obaed Islam, who is also a Member of Parliament, briefed the mayor about Bangladesh's journey towards democracy and highlighted the constructive role played by Spain and other EU member states in this process.
The discussions included a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Spain, particularly by expanding engagement with the Spanish city of Málaga. Both parties explored potential collaboration areas such as agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT), skills development, student exchange programs, trade, cultural exchanges, tourism, and the creative economy.
Additionally, the meeting addressed opportunities to strengthen academic partnerships and institutional cooperation between universities in Bangladesh and Málaga. The Mayor of Málaga acknowledged Bangladesh's efforts in hosting approximately 1.3 million Rohingyas who have fled persecution in Myanmar and expressed hope for a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Both parties expressed a willingness to facilitate further engagements between relevant Bangladeshi authorities and the municipal government of Málaga to translate the discussions into practical cooperation.