Italy pledges faster processing of Bangladeshi workers’ visa applications

Visiting Italian Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi on Wednesday assured that long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers would be processed expeditiously, reaffirming Rome’s commitment to strengthening legal migration between the two nations.

She made the assurance while holding a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry here.

During the meeting, they prioritised the need for expanding legal migration pathways and affirming joint efforts to tackle irregular migration, human trafficking, and migrant exploitation.

Both sides commended the contribution of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy to the economies of both countries.

Referring to the warm bilateral relations since 1972, Vice Minister Tripodi conveyed firm support of the Italian government to the interim government of Bangladesh and appreciated its ongoing reform initiatives towards building a peaceful Bangladesh.

She expressed satisfaction over the trade relations between the two countries, expressing a desire to expand cooperation, particularly in the textile and defence sectors.

Based on the dynamic economic relations between Bangladesh and Italy, the foreign adviser opted for more Italian investment, especially in the green field sectors.

He also apprised that the present government, particularly the BIDA, is working relentlessly to create a better business atmosphere in Bangladesh by simplifying the processes for foreign investors.

Highlighting that Bangladesh wants to diversify its sourcing for defence materials, he also welcomed Italian interest in contributing to the modernisation of the armed forces of Bangladesh.

Vice Minister Tripodi lauded Bangladesh’s generous hosting of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and reiterated continued humanitarian and political support from Italy.

Pointing to the present political situation in Myanmar with control of non-state actors in the bordering area, the foreign adviser expressed concern over the complex challenges Bangladesh is facing.

Sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar, is the only solution to this problem, he emphasised.

The Italian vice minister is paying a two-day official visit to Bangladesh.

This is the first ministerial visit from any EU country since the formation of the interim government.