Bangladesh, Ethiopia stress on framework for cooperation

Bangladesh and Ethiopia on Tuesday put emphasis on the need for framework for co-operation and consultation to strengthen ties between the countries.

This was stated by the foreign secretaries of the two countries in their maiden talks in the capital.

Foreign secretary Md. Shahidul Haque led the Bangladesh delegation while the Ethiopian delegation was led by foreign secretary Mahlet Hailu Guadye in the meeting.

The discussions covered various bilateral issues including political relations and enhanced cooperation especially in the fields of trade and investment, education, culture, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals and peace-keeping under the United Nations.

Shahidul Haque shared some of the success stories in economic and social sector of the country under the leadership of prime minister Sheikh Hasina. He informed the Ethiopian delegation about the provisions and privileges of foreign investment in Bangladesh.

The officials also focused on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The Ethiopian foreign secretary applauded the remarkable socio-economic growth of Bangladesh in the recent years.

Both sides agreed to work in the bilateral, regional and international fora, in particular in the peace keeping area.

Before consultations, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral consultations between the Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh and the Foreign Ministry of Ethiopia was signed by the foreign secretaries of the two countries.

Both Bangladesh and Ethiopia agreed to continue foreign secretary level talks on a regular basis at each other’s capital. The next round of meeting between the two countries would take place at a mutually convenient date and time in Addis Ababa.