Algiers:State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir announced that the recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Bangladesh and Algeria would enhance energy imports and joint infrastructure development. This announcement was made during a bilateral meeting with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf in Algiers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the MoU outlines new opportunities for Bangladesh to import liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and other petroleum products from Algeria under a government-to-government framework. It also sets the stage for joint development of refineries and LNG infrastructure, as well as exploring coal and gas fields in Bangladesh.
Algeria's Foreign Minister Attaf mentioned that the country's president had prioritized the MoU in response to Bangladesh's energy requirements. Additionally, the Algerian Petroleum Institute has shown interest in offering training programs for Bangladeshi engineers and technicians to enhance technical capabilities in the energy sector.
The ministers also discussed a range of bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues, with a focus on cooperation in energy, fertilizers, agriculture, textiles, trade, education, and people-to-people contacts. They aimed to expand trade and investment in the energy sector for mutual benefit and addressed Bangladesh's need for fertilizers, where Algeria expressed its willingness to collaborate.
Furthermore, Attaf sought Bangladesh's expertise to rejuvenate Algeria's textile industry and expressed interest in joint efforts in the pharmaceuticals, leather, and textile sectors. Both ministers emphasized the importance of regular Foreign Office Consultations, planning the next round of talks in Dhaka, and highlighted the necessity of high-level exchanges to strengthen bilateral relations further.