Dhaka and Jakarta in a bilateral meeting in the Indonesian capital on Monday underlined the need for greater engagement between the private sectors to deepen economic cooperation between the two nations.
Bangladesh and Indonesia reaffirmed their strong commitment to strengthening regional cooperation as they held the second round of the Foreign Office Consultation in Jakarta, said a foreign ministry press release issued in Dhaka.
In the meeting, Bangladesh sought Indonesia’s continued support for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar, ensuring their sustainable livelihoods, rights and dignity.
The Bangladesh delegation was led by foreign secretary Asad Alam Siam while the Indonesian side was led by director general of Asia, Pacific and African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Santo Darmosumarto.
Recognising the importance of enhanced connectivity, Bangladesh requested Indonesia to consider easing visa procedures for Bangladesh nationals to facilitate greater mobility and exchanges and establishment of direct flights.
Both sides acknowledged significant opportunities to expand collaboration in agriculture and fisheries, alongside broader cooperation in agriculture and health sectors, reflecting shared priorities in ensuring food security and sustainable development, according to the release.
The FOC marked the continuation of a structured and institutionalised dialogue mechanism between the two countries, following the successful inaugural round held in 2021, while providing a comprehensive and constructive platform to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations through exchanging views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
Both sides engaged in wide-ranging discussions covering trade and investment, energy, agriculture, education, health, digital economy, security, connectivity, tourism, fisheries, culture, and people-to-people exchange.
Bangladesh invited enhanced Indonesian investment particularly in high-potential sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, hospitality, tourism, ICT, renewable energy, leather, and footwear.
Both sides also agreed to further strengthen trade facilitation measures and expedite the convening of the Trade Negotiating Committee and the Joint Working Group on Power and Energy.
They underscored the importance of greater engagement between the private sectors to deepen economic cooperation and emphasised the early finalisation of all relevant pending legal instruments.
Bangladesh also requested Indonesia’s support for its bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN in short.
On the sidelines, foreign secretary Siam met the vice minister of foreign affairs Muhammad Anis Matta and invited him, emphasising long due high level visits between the two countries.
The Bangladesh delegation included Dewan Hossne Ayub, director general of the South East Asia Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maushumi Rahman, chargé d’affaires, embassy of Bangladesh in Jakarta, AKM Fazlul Hoque, joint secretary, Energy and Mineral Resources Division, and Atique Mahmud, assistant secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka.
The Indonesian delegation included ambassador of Indonesia to Bangladesh Listyowati, the director of South and Central Asian Affairs, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats from the embassy of Indonesia in Bangladesh, and representatives from relevant Indonesian ministries and agencies.
