Dhaka: Negotiations on the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (CPA) between the European Union (EU) and Bangladesh will be finalized soon, stated Paola Pampaloni, the Acting Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS), during her visit here today. Pampaloni shared this development during a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna, as reported by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting addressed various aspects of Bangladesh-EU relations, including the ongoing negotiations on the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA), the coming general elections, efforts to combat illegal migration, and the expansion of trade and investment. Pampaloni highlighted that the negotiations on the CPA, which began in November 2024, follow a 20-year period of a general partnership agreement. She congratulated the Chief Adviser on his significant reforms since taking office in August of the previous year, emphasizing the EU's appreciation for these efforts.
Pampaloni expressed optimism about the progress on the PCA, indicating that the agreement would enhance ties and create opportunities in trade and investment between the EU and Bangladesh. Professor Yunus expressed gratitude for the EU's consistent support to the interim government over the past 17 months and described the PCA as a vital agreement for strengthening Bangladesh-EU relations.
She also noted the EU's prioritization of its relationship with Bangladesh, as evidenced by its decision to send a high-level election observation mission for the February 12 general elections. The head of the EU Election Observation Mission is expected to arrive in Bangladesh soon to engage with political leaders and authorities.
Professor Yunus emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections and referendum for Bangladesh's democratic transition, expressing confidence in political parties' support for the referendum. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring a free, fair, participatory, and peaceful election process, marking a significant shift from the previous 16 years of autocratic rule.
Pampaloni underscored the significance of a peaceful election, suggesting that successful democratic transitions could elevate Bangladesh-EU relations and initiate a new era of partnership between Dhaka and the EU. The meeting was attended by Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser, Lamiya Morshed, SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary, and Michael Miller, the European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh, among others.