Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Sunday requested Algeria to enhance collaboration in the field of energy to ensure long-term energy security for Bangladesh. The discussion took place during a courtesy call by Abdelouahab Saidani, the Ambassador of Algeria to Bangladesh, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Algerian Ambassador congratulated Humaiun Kobir on assuming his office and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Algeria. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration in the fertilizer sector to ensure food security in Bangladesh. Both sides explored further cooperation in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, shipbuilding, and people-to-people contact.
The State Minister reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and growing cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing the need for high-level visits to deepen the partnership. The Ambassador responded positively, expressing intent to enhance collaboration in energy, pharmaceuticals, fertilizer, shipbuilding, maritime shipping lines, and facilitating high-level visits.
In a separate meeting, the Algerian Ambassador also met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. The discussions echoed the themes of energy cooperation and covered areas such as trade, climate change, sports, and culture. Islam highlighted the importance of collaboration on climate issues, with both countries affected by global warming, and encouraged the export of biodegradable and eco-friendly jute products to Algeria.
State Minister Shama also stressed enhancing people-to-people contacts and deepening partnerships in sports and culture. The Ambassador reiterated Algeria's commitment to strengthening collaboration in energy, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, sports, and culture, alongside high-level visits to deepen relations further.