Bangladesh, Uruguay hold first-ever bilateral political consultations

Bangladesh and Uruguay have held their first bilateral political consultations, marking a new chapter in diplomatic engagement between the two countries more than five decades after formal relations were established.

The consultations took place on Wednesday at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) designed to institutionalise regular and structured political dialogue. The agreement aims to provide a comprehensive framework for sustained engagement across political, economic and sectoral issues.

The MoU was signed by Bangladesh’s foreign secretary, Asad Alam Siam, and Uruguay’s non-resident ambassador to Bangladesh, Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla, who also led their respective delegations during the talks. Bangladesh and Uruguay first established diplomatic relations in 1972, but Tuesday’s meeting marked the first formal round of bilateral political consultations between the two sides.

During the discussions, both delegations reviewed the current state of cooperation and explored avenues for expanding ties across a wide range of sectors. Bangladesh proposed deeper collaboration in trade and investment, science and technology, defence training, disaster management, health, education, energy, agriculture, sports and broader capacity-building initiatives.

A particular emphasis was placed on boosting private sector engagement, with both sides agreeing to encourage closer interaction between their respective chambers of commerce and industry. The aim, officials said, is to unlock untapped commercial opportunities and facilitate business-to-business partnerships.

The Uruguayan delegation expressed strong interest in enhancing cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and livestock, as well as in energy and sports, identifying these as priority areas for future collaboration.

Beyond bilateral issues, the talks also covered regional and global developments. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and to working together within the framework of the United Nations. The Bangladeshi delegation briefed Uruguay on the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis and sought continued international support for efforts to address the protracted displacement of refugees.

Concluding the consultations, the two sides agreed to maintain close diplomatic engagement and to convene the next round of talks at a mutually convenient time. They also underscored the importance of high-level exchanges and official visits in strengthening and advancing bilateral relations in the years ahead.