Desk Report:
At the Bangladesh-Malaysia joint press conference held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman reiterated the long-standing friendship, cooperation and future prospects of the two countries, highlighting the importance of his visit to Malaysia as his first foreign visit.
He said that one of the first phone calls he received after assuming office in February this year was from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who congratulated him and invited him to visit Malaysia. He said that he and his wife felt honored to be able to come to Malaysia on their first foreign visit after accepting that invitation.
In his speech, the Prime Minister recalled the visit of former Bangladesh President and martyred leader Ziaur Rahman to Malaysia in 1979. He said that that visit laid the foundation for political relations and labor cooperation between the two countries. He also mentioned the visit of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to Malaysia in 1993, which further deepened bilateral relations.
He expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality of the Malaysian government and said that the relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia are based on mutual trust, values and deep ties between the people. He also said that there were discussions on further expanding trade, investment and development cooperation between the two countries.
In his speech, he said that both countries have agreed to further strengthen cooperation through regular institutional meetings, consultation meetings of the foreign ministries and joint commission meetings. At the same time, progress has also been made in advancing the negotiations on the Bangladesh-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
He emphasized on creating employment, attracting foreign investment and creating a business-friendly environment as economic priorities of Bangladesh. In this context, he called on Malaysian investors to invest in Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister further said that there is a huge scope for cooperation in various high-value sectors including ICT, energy, infrastructure, manpower, halal industries, agro-processing, education, skill development, defense, digital economy and semiconductor sector.
Referring to the Bangladeshi workers, students and professionals residing in Malaysia as a strong bridge between the two countries, she called for recruiting more Bangladeshi workers and opening up the labor market. At the same time, she also requested for legalization of irregular workers and facilitation of the repatriation process of detained Bangladeshis.
Expressing deep concern on the Rohingya issue, she said that she is grateful for Malaysia’s continued support for the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas sheltering in Bangladesh.
On regional cooperation, she reiterated Bangladesh’s close ties with ASEAN, its aspiration to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and its interest in joining RCEP. She appreciated Malaysia’s cooperation in this regard.
He said the two leaders also exchanged views on cooperation in the international arena, including the United Nations, and global issues, especially the situation in the Middle East. At the same time, he expressed gratitude for Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Finally, he said that today’s discussions will take the relations of the two countries to new heights and will open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Malaysia relations. He invited the Malaysian Prime Minister and his wife to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time.
