Dhaka calls for deeper ties in energy security, fertiliser supply, trade and investment
Bangladesh has called for stronger energy and fertiliser cooperation with Algeria to ensure long-term energy security and safeguard food security amid global economic and climate challenges.
The issues came up during a meeting between State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdelouahab Saidani at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on October 12.
The two sides discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in energy, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, climate change, sports, culture and people-to-people contacts, according to a foreign ministry press release.
During the meeting, Shama Obaed urged Algeria to enhance collaboration in the energy sector to help Bangladesh ensure its long-term energy security.
She also stressed the importance of cooperation in fertiliser to support Bangladesh's food security, as reliable fertiliser supplies remain crucial for agricultural production.
Highlighting shared climate vulnerabilities, the state minister said both countries face adverse impacts from global warming and underscored the need for joint efforts to address climate-related challenges.
She also encouraged Algeria to import more environmentally friendly and biodegradable jute and jute products from Bangladesh, signalling potential opportunities to diversify the country's exports to the North African market.
The two sides further emphasised the need to deepen cooperation in sports and culture to strengthen ties between their peoples.
Ambassador Saidani reiterated Algeria's interest in expanding bilateral cooperation in energy, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, sports and culture. He also stressed the importance of high-level visits to further consolidate friendly relations between the two countries.
The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Algeria, founded on mutual respect, solidarity and shared development aspirations.
For Bangladesh, stronger engagement with Algeria could open opportunities to diversify energy partnerships, strengthen access to agricultural inputs and expand exports beyond traditional markets. Further progress, however, would depend on translating the discussions into concrete trade, investment and sector-specific initiatives.
