Bangladesh and South Korea Strengthen Ties: Exploring Strategic Cooperation

Bangladesh and South Korea have taken a significant step towards strengthening their bilateral relations by agreeing to explore strategic cooperation in various fields. The decision was made during the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between the two countries, which was held in Dhaka. The meeting was attended by high-level officials from both countries, including the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea. The two sides discussed a range of issues, including trade, investment, defense, and security. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the situation in the Korean Peninsula and the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar. The Bangladesh side highlighted the country’s progress in various fields, including economy, infrastructure, and human development. The South Korean side expressed its appreciation for Bangladesh’s achievements and reiterated its commitment to supporting the country’s development efforts. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, with a focus on increasing bilateral trade and encouraging South Korean investment in Bangladesh. They also discussed the possibility of cooperation in the defense sector, including the purchase of military equipment and technology from South Korea. The Bangladesh side sought South Korea’s support in its efforts to become a middle-income country by 2021, while the South Korean side expressed its willingness to provide assistance in this regard. The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. They discussed the possibility of establishing a cultural center in Dhaka to promote Korean culture and language in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh side requested South Korea’s support in its efforts to address the Rohingya crisis, while the South Korean side expressed its concern over the situation and pledged to provide humanitarian assistance. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the situation in the Korean Peninsula and the threat of terrorism. They agreed to work together to address these challenges and promote peace and stability in the region. The meeting was seen as a significant step towards strengthening the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and South Korea, and it is expected to pave the way for increased cooperation in various fields. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of FOC in Seoul at a mutually convenient time. The meeting was also attended by officials from the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Education of Bangladesh, as well as officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of National Defense of South Korea. The Bangladesh side was led by the Foreign Secretary, while the South Korean side was led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, and it reflected the strong desire of both countries to strengthen their bilateral relations. The agreement to explore strategic cooperation is seen as a significant development in the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and South Korea, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, trade, and security of both countries. The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of science and technology, including the development of renewable energy and the promotion of IT sector. They discussed the possibility of cooperation in the field of agriculture, including the introduction of new technologies and the improvement of agricultural productivity. The Bangladesh side sought South Korea’s assistance in its efforts to develop the country’s infrastructure, including the construction of roads, bridges, and ports. The South Korean side expressed its willingness to provide assistance in this regard, including the provision of loans and grants. The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of health and medicine, including the development of medical infrastructure and the promotion of health services. They discussed the possibility of cooperation in the field of disaster management, including the provision of humanitarian assistance and the development of disaster-resistant infrastructure. The meeting was seen as a significant step towards promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the region, and it reflected the strong commitment of both countries to strengthening their bilateral relations.

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