BD Urges Immediate Activation of Algeria Energy Working Group

Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin has called for the immediate activation of the Bangladesh-Algeria energy working group, a critical initiative established to explore collaboration opportunities in the energy sector. He stressed the importance of operationalizing this group without delay, emphasizing its potential to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.

This issue was raised during the second Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Algeria, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Algiers.

Leading the Bangladesh delegation, Ambassador Md. Jashim Uddin engaged in talks with Lounes Magramane, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad of Algeria. The discussions centered on the broad scope of bilateral relations, including political, economic, trade, investment, and cultural cooperation.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the strengthening relationship, reflected in the increase of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) from six to 22, alongside growing business visits between the two capitals over the past three years.

The consultations delved into expanding trade and investment cooperation, particularly in key sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture, and information and communications technology (ICT). Bangladesh highlighted its remarkable economic growth and investment-friendly environment, encouraging Algerian businesses to seek out mutually beneficial opportunities.

New avenues for collaboration, including improving connectivity and enhancing technical and higher education exchanges, were also explored. Additionally, Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin urged the completion of formalities to sign previously agreed-upon MoUs between the two countries' chambers of commerce and diplomatic training institutions.

Discussions also included revising the MoU on visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders, as well as renewing expired agreements to better reflect current needs and expectations.

On regional and global matters, both sides reiterated their commitment to addressing shared challenges, particularly in multilateral forums like the United Nations. They highlighted their shared concern for the Rohingya crisis and agreed to continue working together on this and other global issues.

The Foreign Secretary and the Algerian Secretary General emphasized the importance of regular consultations and high-level visits to deepen their bilateral relationship. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of consultations in Dhaka at a mutually convenient time.

Later, Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin met with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, where both leaders reaffirmed their strong, long-standing friendship. They discussed further enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and other strategic sectors. The Algerian Foreign Minister assured full support for Bangladesh's efforts to deepen ties and achieve mutual goals.