Bangladesh, Portugal agree to boost bilateral relations

Bangladesh and Portugal have agreed to enhance the existing bilateral relations for mutual benefits of the two countries.

The two countries discussed the bilateral issues in the first-ever bilateral Political Consultations held in Lisbon recently.

Secretary Bilateral and Consular of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Ambassador Kamrul Ahsan led the Bangladesh side while Director General of Foreign Policy of Portuguese Foreign Ministry Ambassador Pedro Sanchez Da Costa Pereira led the Portuguese delegation, said the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka on Sunday.

The discussions covered the entire gamut of Bangladesh - Portugal relations including trade and investment, power and energy particularly renewable energy, blue economy and maritime resources, tourism and culture, employment opportunity for Bangladeshi workforce, regional and international issues such as Brexit, Rohingya, climate change, and other issues of mutual interests.

The Portuguese side congratulated Bangladesh on the impressive socio-economic development including economic growth, empowerment of women, gender parity and appreciated Bangladesh's important humanitarian role in hosting over one million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals in Bangladesh.

Referring to the ongoing mega projects in Bangladesh, Portuguese side expressed their interest to take part in the upcoming projects particularly in infrastructure, ICT, power and renewable energy sectors.

The two sides agreed to hold regular political consultations and regular exchange of visits at all levels including political, business, civil society and people's group to boost up relations between the two countries.