Bangladesh, Spain eye stronger migration cooperation, people-to-people connectivity
Dhaka: Bangladesh and Spain have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties, with a particular emphasis on enhancing cooperation in migration, skills development, and people-to-people connectivity.
The issues were discussed when Spanish Ambassador to Bangladesh Gabriel María Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 8.
During the meeting, both sides explored ways to strengthen collaboration across a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, supply chains, railways, sports, culture, education, skills development, migration, and peace and security, read a press release.
Migration and human connectivity featured prominently in the discussions, with both countries expressing interest in expanding cooperation to facilitate greater exchanges of skilled workers and strengthen interpersonal and institutional links.
The two sides also discussed holding regular bilateral consultations and arranging high-level visits to inject fresh momentum into the growing partnership.
The Spanish ambassador congratulated Bangladesh on its election to the Presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026–2027 term.
State Minister Shama Obaed Islam stressed the importance of closer collaboration in both bilateral and multilateral forums and reiterated the need for sustained international attention and support to resolve the Rohingya crisis. She also sought Spain’s backing at the UN General Assembly regarding Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.
Both sides underscored the importance of pursuing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and the European Union to further boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
The meeting also included an exchange of views on regional and global developments, with both countries highlighting the importance of peace, stability, and stronger international cooperation.
