Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam today expressed the hope that the existing friendship and defence cooperation between Bangladesh and Canada would be further strengthened and consolidated through various bilateral initiatives. He made the remarks when Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh paid a courtesy call on him at his Armed Forces Division (AFD) office at Dhaka Cantonment here today.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged pleasantries and recalled the longstanding cordial and excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Canada, according to a release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate this afternoon. The meeting also discussed possible areas of Canadian cooperation in the overall modernisation and capacity-building of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.
The two sides expressed positive views on strengthening cooperation in military technology exchange, strategic defence cooperation, joint training, disaster management and peacekeeping operations. They also discussed ways to further strengthen the existing defence and diplomatic ties between the two countries, the ISPR added.
The defence cooperation between Bangladesh and Canada has been growing steadily over the years. Bangladesh has been actively participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions, and Canada has been a significant contributor to these global peace efforts. Strengthening military technology exchange and joint training programs can enhance the capabilities of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.
Strategic defence cooperation is crucial for both nations, given the changing global security landscape. Joint training exercises can improve interoperability between the armed forces of both countries, leading to more effective responses in crisis situations. Additionally, cooperation in disaster management can help both nations prepare better for natural calamities, which are increasingly common due to climate change.
The meeting between Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam and Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh signifies the mutual commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. Such high-level interactions are vital for identifying new areas of cooperation and ensuring that existing agreements are effectively implemented.
For Bangladesh, strengthening defence ties with Canada can lead to significant benefits in terms of military capability enhancement, technology transfer, and improved disaster response mechanisms. These factors are crucial for ensuring national security and stability in a region that is often volatile.
