Ambassador of France to Bangladesh H.E. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet paid a courtesy call on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. HumaiunKobir, at the Ministry this morning. The Ambassador congratulated the State Minister on his assumption of office and exchanged views on ways to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and partnership between Bangladesh and France.

The State Minister appreciated France’s continued engagement with Bangladesh, including its support for Bangladesh’s socio-economic development, democratic transition and institutional strengthening. He emphasized Bangladesh’s interest in further engagment in areas of mutual interest, particularly trade and investment, defence, aviation, education, culture, and human capital development.They also exchanged views on thepriorities and expectations from the upcoming UNGA. Both sides also discussed on regional and global issues, including climate change and multilateral engagement reiterating their commitment to working together in international fora.

The State Minister encouraged greater French investment in Bangladesh and highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation in promising sectors, including infrastructure, renewable energy, space, technology and pharmaceuticals. He also underscored the importance of creating greater opportunities for legal and regular labour mobility between Bangladesh and France. In this regard, he reaffirmed Bangladesh’s zero-tolerance policy towards irregular migration and human trafficking and expressed Bangladesh’s readiness to work closely with France in addressing these challenges.

Ambassador Séré-Charlet reaffirmed France’s readiness to enhance cooperation across all areas of mutual interest. He appreciated the Government’s efforts towards democratic reforms and expressed France’s interest in working closely with Bangladesh. The State Minister appreciated the France’s continued humanitarian support for the 1.3 million Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh. Both sides also expressed their readiness to work together for their safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation.

The meeting concluded in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides expressing confidence that continued engagement and enhanced cooperation would provide further momentum to Bangladesh-France relations.