# Bangladesh Requests Singapore's Support for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and RCEP Membership

*Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman sought Singapore's support for Bangladesh's aspirations to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).*

July 23, 2026 · World

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman today sought Singapore’s support for Bangladesh’s aspirations to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He made the call during a bilateral meeting with Singapore Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan in Manila on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The two foreign ministers also discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and agreed to further promote trade, investment, and skilled migration. They agreed to continue efforts to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Singapore.

## What did Bangladesh seek from Singapore?

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/bangladesh-seeks-singapore-support-asean-rcep-aspirations