DHAKA: Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) have expressed their intention to advance their relationship by transitioning from a development-centric focus to a broader political partnership. This development was articulated during the closing session of a two-day inaugural meeting focused on negotiating a Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, held on November 5 and 6 in Dhaka, as reported in a press release from the foreign ministry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was led by Additional Foreign Secretary (bilateral) Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam for Bangladesh and Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director of the Asia and Pacific Division at the European External Action Service, for the EU. Ambassador of Bangladesh to Belgium and Permanent Representative to the EU Mahbuub Hasan Saleh, along with EU officials, participated in the discussions virtually from Brussels.
The chief negotiators from both sides expressed satisfaction with the substantive discussions and exchanged gifts a
s tokens of appreciation at the end of the final session. The discussions highlighted the potential of the agreement to solidify Bangladesh’s relationship with the EU, paving the way for extensive cooperation.
Described as a landmark event in the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and the EU, the meeting addressed various key topics. These included institutional provisions, international peace and security, governance and human rights, justice, and cooperation on trade and related matters.