Dhaka:Bangladesh and Lithuania have agreed to enhance institutional mechanisms to boost bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and technology. This decision was made during the second Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries in Dhaka.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussions were led by Bangladesh's Secretary (Bilateral East and West) Ambassador Dr. M Nazrul Islam and Lithuanian Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Vidmantas Verbickas. An agreement was reached to establish a formal mechanism for regular diplomatic engagement, which included signing a Memorandum of Understanding.
The consultations emphasized the potential for economic collaboration, with Bangladesh inviting Lithuanian investors to explore its Special Economic Zones. Both countries agreed to facilitate private-sector engagement, including business delegations and an MoU between their apex chambers of commerce. An exploratory investment mission by a Lithuanian delegation was also proposed.
Information and communication technology (ICT) and digital governance were key areas of focus. Lithuania expressed its willingness to support Bangladesh in developing e-governance systems and identified opportunities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transport systems, among others.
The discussions also covered expanding employment prospects for Bangladeshi skilled professionals in Lithuania through legal migration channels, with potential cooperation under the European Union's Talent Partnership programme. Education was another area of interest, with the number of Bangladeshi students in Lithuania increasing significantly.
Both countries agreed to enhance people-to-people contacts through various exchanges and aim to conclude bilateral agreements in agriculture, trade, and other sectors. Lithuania also pledged support for Bangladesh at international forums and in the repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
The delegations agreed to celebrate the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2027 and planned to hold the next round of consultations in Vilnius. Representatives from several Bangladeshi ministries attended the talks, underscoring the importance of this collaborative effort.