Dhaka:Bangladesh and Kosovo have explored avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on addressing climate-related challenges through knowledge-sharing, technology transfer, and the exchange of best practices.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the discussions took place when Kosovo's Minister for Environment and Spatial Planning, Fitore Pacolli-Dalipi, met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Bangladesh Pavilion at COP31.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam and Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. MD Saimum Parvez were also present at the meeting. During the discussions, the Kosovar Minister highlighted her country's challenges in flood management, water management, and air quality, emphasizing the importance of recycling and effective waste management.
Shama Obaed Islam briefed the Kosovar Minister on various initiatives undertaken by the Bangladesh government in flood control and waste management. The talks also covered ways to expand political and economic engagement between the two countries, stressing the importance of regular high-level dialogue at multilateral forums, exchanges of political visits, and trade delegations to strengthen bilateral ties.
Both sides noted that stronger bilateral engagement could open up opportunities for cooperation in areas such as recycling, technology transfer, waste management, and early warning systems. Shama also proposed government-to-government cooperation in skilled migration, suggesting that qualified Bangladeshi professionals could work in sectors facing skilled worker shortages in Kosovo, a proposal that was noted by the Kosovar Minister.
The Kosovar Minister expressed interest in visiting Bangladesh, and Shama extended a warm invitation for her to visit the country at a mutually convenient time. As a gesture of friendship, Shama presented the visiting minister with jute handicrafts, highlighting their natural, biodegradable properties as an alternative to plastic. Impressed by the quality and craftsmanship, Pacolli-Dalipi was invited to visit Bangladesh's jute pavilion in the Green Zone of COP31 to explore the versatility and diverse uses of the natural fibre.