The first-ever ‘Political Consultation’ between Bangladesh and Kuwait in Dhaka on Sunday agreed to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including political, economic, defence and labour.
The two sides reviewed defence cooperation, noting Bangladesh’s contribution under ‘Operation Kuwait Punargathan’, and agreed to enhance collaboration in training, disaster response, and cyber security, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting.
‘Both sides stressed the importance of enhancing trade and investment, especially in energy, infrastructure, ICT, and halal food sectors,’ said the statement.
They also discussed expanding manpower cooperation, finalising the pending memorandum of understanding in line with Kuwait Vision 2035.
‘Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in political, economic, defence, labour, development, and cultural fields,’ it said.
The meeting was co-chaired by Bangladesh’s foreign ministry secretary (bilateral), Md Nazrul Islam, and Kuwait’s assistant foreign minister for Asian affairs, Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat.
They decided to hold ‘Political Consultations’ biennially, alternately in Dhaka and Kuwait City, and to promote high-level visits and exchanges among officials, business communities, and cultural representatives.
Bangladesh invited Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in Special Economic Zones and Hi-Tech Parks.
They agreed to reactivate the Joint Trade Committee and convene a Bangladesh–Kuwait Business Forum in 2026.
The meeting expressed satisfaction over Kuwait Fund assistance and agreed to explore new cooperation in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and aviation connectivity.
Both sides emphasised the importance of education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, including an MoU between the Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy and the Kuwait Diplomatic Institute, and agreed to expedite the diplomatic plot exchange process, according to the joint statement.
They reaffirmed cooperation in multilateral fora, including the United Nations and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Bangladesh expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s support to the Rohingya humanitarian response and also reaffirmed support for Kuwait’s candidatures to UNESCO, UNHRC and IAEA.
