The first-ever political consultation between the European Union and Bangladesh will be held today (Thursday) in Dhaka 'for providing strategic guidance and intensifying foreign and security policy cooperation'.
Against the backdrop of the new polarization in the world order in the wake of the Ukraine War, the meeting is considered crucial by the international relations experts, who think EU is very keen to elevate its ties with Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has also similar interest in promoting partnership with the EU, from which it seeks the GSP plus facility to continue duty free market access for its exports.
Besides bilateral issues, Ukraine war, Rohinya crisis, Indo-Pacific vision and regional connectivity will be in focus during the meeting, foreign ministry officials said.
Development cooperation, governance and human rights will also remain high on the agenda, they added.
State Minister for foreign affairs M Shahriar Alam will lead Bangladesh side in the meeting while the EU side will be led by Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Enrique Mora.
It may be mentioned that both sides agreed to hold this political consultation when Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen met the Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Enrique Mora for diplomatic consultation in Brussels.
The meeting was agreed as both sides are eager to elevate the partnership on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2022, officials added.
About the meeting, the EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley said, issues of shared interest such as peacebuilding, conflict prevention, Indo-Pacific, Ukraine issue, connectivity, climate change, security and counter-terrorism will be discussed at the dialogue.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com