State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today expressed concern over the challenges facing Bangladeshi expatriates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and sought its support in addressing their difficulties. She raised the issue during a meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh, Abdulla Ali Abdulla Alhmoudi. The two sides discussed various issues aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The state minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring safe, orderly, and transparent migration and safeguarding the welfare of Bangladeshi nationals abroad.
Joint Consular Committee Meeting Proposed
Bangladesh is ready to host the second Bangladesh-UAE Joint Consular Committee Meeting in Dhaka at a mutually convenient date in 2026. The proposed meeting is expected to discuss consular and migration-related matters and explore ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in these areas.
Economic Partnership and Future Collaborations
The two sides also reviewed the growing economic partnership between Bangladesh and the UAE. They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, ports, information and communication technology (ICT), and other areas of mutual interest. Both sides underscored the importance of expediting negotiations on the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to provide a robust framework for expanding bilateral economic and commercial cooperation. They also agreed to activate the Bangladesh-UAE Joint Business Council and convene its meeting at a mutually convenient time.
Appreciation and Continued Engagement
The UAE Ambassador expressed appreciation to the Bangladesh government for its support in facilitating the inscription of Wadi Wurayah National Park on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the recent session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close engagement and further deepening the multifaceted Bangladesh-UAE partnership for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their peoples.
