Dhaka, 21 May 2023 – Bangladesh and the Netherlands convened the Fifth Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Dhaka, led by Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Paul Huijts. The consultations focused on deepening bilateral ties, particularly in the economic sphere.
Both sides expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in various areas, including trade and investment, the implementation of Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, human resources development, food and agriculture, ICT and digital economy, and regional and global issues of mutual interest. Topics of common concern, such as global peace and security, water and climate change, delta management, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), were also discussed.
Bangladesh expressed gratitude to the Netherlands for its support in water resources management, food security, skills development, and the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. The two nations explored avenues for increased economic collaboration in the post-LDC graduation period. Emphasizing the potential for mutual benefits, both sides recognized the opportunities for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and businesses to engage in knowledge-sharing, innovation, and solutions in various areas, including water efficiency, digitalization, circularity, energy, climate adaptation, maritime affairs, design thinking, sustainability, and agriculture.
Regional developments were also addressed, with a focus on increasing cooperation and connectivity between the European Union (EU) and the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries acknowledged the importance of strengthening Bangladesh-Netherlands cooperation in multilateral forums. The Netherlands expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s hosting of approximately 1.2 million Rohingya refugees and recognized the significance of ongoing international efforts to secure justice and accountability for human rights violations committed in Myanmar. Both sides reiterated their commitment to working with the international community to ensure the safe, sustainable, and voluntary return of the Rohingya to their homeland.
Following the discussions, a Joint Statement was issued, reflecting the shared objectives and outcomes of the Fifth Foreign Office Consultations. The Joint Statement reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepening cooperation and collaboration across various sectors and addressing regional and global challenges collectively.
The Fifth Foreign Office Consultations between Bangladesh and the Netherlands provided a platform to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new avenues of cooperation. The constructive dialogue and shared vision demonstrated the mutual commitment to fostering closer relations and achieving common goals in areas of mutual interest and concern.
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