EU envoys pledge close co-operation with Bangladesh govt

Ambassadors of seven European Union member states — Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden — and the EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban on Monday.
During the meeting, the envoys congratulated Mirza Fakhrul on assuming office as president. He thanked them for their messages of congratulations.
The president expressed satisfaction over the continued progress in relations between Bangladesh, EU member states and the European Union.
He said the partnership had developed into a multifaceted relationship. Thanking the EU and its member states for their continued co-operation in Bangladesh’s development and democratic transition, he called for deeper ties based on mutual respect.
He also called for increased European investment in Bangladesh.
On migration, the president reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to preventing irregular migration and human trafficking.
He also called for wider legal migration opportunities for skilled Bangladeshi workers and broader participation by EU member states in the Talent Partnership.
The envoys reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the government to strengthen mutual trust, friendship and partnership.
They stressed the need for greater cooperation in trade, good governance, climate action and sustainable development, and reaffirmed their support for Bangladesh’s constitutional, judicial and other major reform initiatives.
On the Rohingya crisis, the president sought continued and increased EU humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar.

He also urged the EU to play a stronger role in creating conditions in Myanmar for their safe, voluntary and dignified return. The envoys reaffirmed their support and cooperation on the issue.
EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation Michael Miller and the ambassadors of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden attended the meeting.
The president’s military secretary, secretary and press secretary, as well as a director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were also present.