# Italian Ambassador Discusses Enhanced Defence Cooperation with Bangladesh PM's Adviser

*Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro met with Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam to discuss strengthening defence ties.*

July 8, 2026 · World

## At a glance

- Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro met with PM's Defence Adviser Dr AKM Shamsul Islam.
- Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence relations.
- Opportunities for Bangladesh Armed Forces to train at Italian institutions were explored.
- Cooperation for modernization of Bangladesh Armed Forces was reviewed.
- Both countries aim to enhance contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.

Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro today met with Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam at the Armed Forces Division (AFD) office in Dhaka Cantonment. The meeting focused on further strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in defence cooperation and military training modernization.

## Longstanding Friendly Relations

During the meeting, both sides exchanged greetings and recalled the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Italy. They discussed ways to enhance these relations, with a particular focus on defence cooperation.

## Defence Cooperation and Training

The discussions included enhancing opportunities for members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces to participate in training programmes at Italian military institutions. This exchange aims to improve professional skills and capabilities through shared expertise.

## Modernization and Peacekeeping

Both countries also explored cooperation for the modernization of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. Additionally, they reviewed their significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions and discussed future joint efforts to uphold global peace and security.

## Valuing Military and Diplomatic Relations

Welcoming the Italian ambassador, Defence Adviser Dr AKM Shamsul Islam expressed that Bangladesh highly values its military and diplomatic relations with Italy. Ambassador Alessandro appreciated the professionalism of the Bangladesh Armed Forces and expressed hope for further deepening defence relations between the two countries.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/italian-envoy-meets-pms-defence-adviser-strengthen-defence-ties