Dhaka: Bangladesh and the Netherlands on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries through sustained high-level engagement and enhanced cooperation in bilateral and multilateral fora. The announcement came during a meeting where both nations expressed their intent to explore collaboration in multiple areas.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the wide-ranging discussions covered political and economic developments, the Bangladesh-European Union Free Trade Agreement, Bangladesh’s transition out of the Least Developed Countries status, and cooperation in migration. Additional topics included human capital development, women’s empowerment, semiconductor technology, education and sports, and people-to-people exchanges. Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam led the discussions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Director for Asia and Oceania at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dominique Kuhling, currently visiting Bangladesh, was also present during the meeting. The Ministry reported that the collaboration aims to address regional and multilateral issues, reflecting the countries’ shared interests.
The State Minister expressed appreciation for the Netherlands’ longstanding support in Bangladesh’s development, particularly in democratic transition, trade and investment, and sustainability in industrial sectors, agriculture, and water management. She acknowledged the Netherlands’ continuous support to the Rohingya and host communities, emphasizing the need for safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.
Earlier, the Dutch delegation met with Secretary (East, West) Dr. Md Nazrul Islam at the Ministry, where they exchanged views on advancing Bangladesh-Netherlands cooperation in areas of mutual interest.