Bishkek:Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan have committed to deepening their bilateral relations, enhancing economic cooperation, and strengthening coordination on regional and global issues following their second Foreign Office Consultations. The meetings took place today with Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam and Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister Kairat Tursunkulov leading their respective delegations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the delegations discussed a wide range of topics including trade, investment, education, and technology. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation between their foreign service academies and another MoU on a 2026-2027 programme of action to advance practical cooperation.
Both nations agreed to celebrate the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2027 and prioritize unlocking untapped potential in their bilateral ties. High-level visits, including exchanges at the foreign minister level, were agreed upon to strengthen political engagement.
The talks also focused on expanding cooperation in international forums such as the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. With Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman serving as president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, and Kyrgyzstan set to serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, both sides pledged closer coordination on international issues.
On trade and investment, both countries plan to encourage private-sector engagement and exchange business delegations. Promising areas for expanded cooperation include textiles, garments, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.
The consultations highlighted the Eurasian region's geostrategic importance and its large market, offering Bangladesh broader economic engagement opportunities. Discussions also covered people-to-people contacts through education, sports, tourism, and employment opportunities, with a focus on skilled Bangladeshi workers in Kyrgyzstan.
The delegations proposed visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders and cooperation in agriculture, trade, and culture. Following the consultations, Foreign Secretary Siam met with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev to discuss deepening bilateral and multilateral engagement. Kulubaev invited Bangladesh's Foreign Minister to visit Kyrgyzstan, and both sides expressed optimism about future cooperation.
Siam also sought Kyrgyz support for Bangladesh's UN Security Council and Human Rights Council candidatures and the repatriation of Rohingyas. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Dhaka.