Bangladesh, Indonesia seek deeper economic strategic partnership
Bangladesh and Indonesia today expressed their readiness to deepen economic cooperation and work towards a long-term strategic partnership, with Dhaka proposing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to advance bilateral relations.
The discussions took place when visiting Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Anis Matta met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at his office here, a foreign ministry press release said.
Kobir urged stronger economic engagement, while Matta proposed undertaking priority joint projects over the next five to ten years to help develop a strategic partnership.
The two sides reviewed cooperation in trade and investment, energy, health, disaster management, education and training, and consular affairs. They also discussed regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
Welcoming Matta, Kobir presented five proposals to deepen bilateral cooperation, including restoring visa-on-arrival facilities for Bangladeshi nationals visiting Indonesia.
He requested Indonesia to import more Bangladeshi pharmaceutical products to meet its growing demand and procure jute bags through a government-to-government arrangement for environmentally friendly packaging of coffee, beans and other products.
The state minister also sought access to the Indonesian market for Bangladeshi potatoes and proposed institutional cooperation in disaster management.
He handed over a draft Memorandum of Understanding on Disaster Management to the Indonesian vice minister.
Highlighting Indonesia's position as the world's largest halal food consumer market, Kobir stressed the need to strengthen cooperation in the halal sector.
Matta welcomed Bangladesh's proposals and expressed Indonesia's interest in upgrading bilateral relations to a long-term strategic partnership.
He also encouraged both countries to explore direct flights between Dhaka and Jakarta to enhance people-to-people connectivity.
Kobir welcomed Matta's proposals and thanked Indonesia for its continued support for Bangladesh at regional and international forums.
He sought Indonesia's continued backing for Bangladesh's application for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership and membership of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The state minister also sought continued support for the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Bangladesh to their homeland in Myanmar.
Matta assured him of Indonesia's continued support on these issues, the release said.
Senior foreign ministry officials, officials of its South East Asia Wing and the ambassadors of Bangladesh and Indonesia to the respective countries attended the meeting.
Matta is visiting Bangladesh from October 5 to 9 at Kobir's invitation.
