Bangladesh, Algeria seek closer cooperation in energy, climate, jute

Bangladesh and Algeria have discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in energy, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, climate change, sports and culture, with Dhaka seeking greater Algerian cooperation to ensure its long-term energy and food security.

Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdelouahab Saidani made a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Sunday.

The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and growing cooperation between the two countries, according to a press release issued by the foreign ministry.

The state minister requested the Algerian envoy to enhance cooperation in the energy sector to help ensure Bangladesh's long-term energy security.

She also emphasised the importance of cooperation in the fertilizer sector to support Bangladesh's food security.

Discussing climate change, Shama Obaed highlighted that both Bangladesh and Algeria are facing the adverse impacts of global warming and stressed the importance of collaboration on climate-related issues.

She also encouraged Algeria to import more biodegradable and eco-friendly jute and jute products from Bangladesh.

The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in trade and investment, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, sports, culture and people-to-people contacts.

The state minister underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties 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.

The two sides also discussed the importance of high-level visits to further deepen bilateral relations.