# Bangladesh Requests Philippines' Backing for ASEAN Dialogue Partnership Status

*Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has sought the Philippines' support for Bangladesh's bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN during a bilateral meeting in Manila.*

July 24, 2026 · World

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman today sought the Philippines' support for Bangladesh's bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a bilateral meeting in Manila. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

## Bilateral Cooperation and Rohingya Crisis

During the meeting, Dr Rahman and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro discussed ways to advance bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including nursing, visa facilitation for medical tourism, business promotion, and family reunification. Dr Rahman also sought the Philippines' support for efforts towards finding a sustainable solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis.

## Strengthening Economic Engagement

The two ministers underscored the importance of increased economic engagement between Bangladesh and the Philippines. They discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties and deepen institutional engagement. Bangladesh has been seeking ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner status as part of its efforts to expand cooperation with the Southeast Asian regional grouping.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/bangladesh-seeks-philippines-support-asean-dialogue-partnership