Khalilur Calls for Stronger Institutional Ties with Tajikistan
Collected Photo
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman emphasized building bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Tajikistan on a more diversified and institutional foundation.
Tajikistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Idibek Kalandar paid a courtesy call on Khalilur on Wednesday on the sidelines of the first-ever Foreign Office Consultations held between the two countries.
Both sides discussed for strengthening cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, connectivity, tourism, and cultural cooperation.
During the meeting, Kalandar emphasized establishing an institutional framework, such as Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and various agreements, to expand bilateral cooperation.
They reached a consensus on quickly completing agreements regarding trade and economic cooperation, cultural exchange, visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders, tourism development, avoidance of double taxation, protection and promotion of investment, and cooperation in the industrial sector.
Mentioning that the current volume of bilateral trade is very limited, Khalilur stressed increasing cooperation between the private sectors and increasing mutual visits of business delegations to utilize untapped potential.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of establishing permanent diplomatic missions in the capitals of the two countries, launching direct air connectivity, simplifying visa processes, increasing people-to-people contact, organizing exhibitions of each country’s exportable products, facilitating bilateral trade and investment, and ensuring the effective movement of goods, labor, and services.
Moreover, emphasis was placed on strengthening the activities of the Joint Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation and increasing effective engagement between the parliaments and business organizations of the two countries.
Khalilur welcomed the proposal to form a Bangladesh-Tajikistan Parliamentary Friendship Group aimed at increasing regular contact among members of parliament.
He thanked Tajikistan for supporting Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
At the same time, Bangladesh and Tajikistan agreed to continue mutual cooperation in various international and regional forums, including the United Nations and the OIC.
They also discussed expanding greater inter-regional connectivity, considering the strategic importance of South and Central Asia.
Kalandar expressed positive support for Bangladesh’s interest in obtaining membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
