Dhaka, Seoul Move Towards Strategic Partnership

Bangladesh and the Republic of Korea held the 4th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Seoul on Tuesday

Bangladesh and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have agreed to expand bilateral cooperation and explore the prospect of elevating ties to a strategic partnership during the 4th round of Foreign Office Consultations held in Seoul on Tuesday.

The Bangladesh side was led by Ambassador Nazrul Islam, secretary (Bilateral-East and West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Korean delegation was headed by Park Yoonjoo, 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Discussions covered political and economic cooperation, trade and investment, energy, infrastructure development, migration under the Employment Permit System, security, and the Rohingya crisis. Both delegations also exchanged views on regional and global issues.

Reviewing progress since the last consultations in Dhaka in 2022, the two sides identified new areas of cooperation in science and technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, climate change, agricultural mechanisation, energy transition, and modernisation of marine ports and shipyards.

Korea reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s infrastructure projects through EDCF, KOICA and EDPF grants and loans, while encouraging Korean industries to expand value chains in Bangladesh. It also highlighted its interest in contributing to sustainable development in South Asia.

Bangladesh sought greater cooperation in human resource development, migration under EPS, and collaboration in education and technical training, particularly in STEM and TVET sectors.

The Korean side praised Bangladesh’s humanitarian role in hosting Rohingyas and assured continued support for their repatriation to Myanmar.

Both countries underscored the importance of high-level visits to further strengthen relations and reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced cooperation on multilateral issues.

The consultations concluded with a shared vision to deepen political trust, align development strategies, and foster mutual growth.