Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today sought enhanced energy cooperation with Algeria to help ensure Bangladesh's long-term energy security. She made the call when Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdelouahab Saidani met her at the foreign ministry here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and growing cooperation between Bangladesh and Algeria and discussed ways to further deepen bilateral ties. Shama requested the Algerian envoy to explore enhanced collaboration in the energy sector, underscoring its importance for Bangladesh's long-term energy security.
The two sides also discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, climate change, sports, culture, and people-to-people contacts. The state minister stressed the importance of cooperation in the fertilizer sector to support Bangladesh's food security.
She also called for greater collaboration on climate issues, noting that both Bangladesh and Algeria are facing adverse impacts of global warming. Shama encouraged increased exports of biodegradable and environment-friendly Bangladeshi jute and jute products to the Algerian market.
She underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people contacts and deepening cooperation in sports and culture. Ambassador Saidani expressed Algeria's interest in enhancing cooperation with Bangladesh in energy, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, sports, and culture. He also emphasized high-level visits as a means of further deepening the existing relations between the two countries.