The new strategic move between Bangladesh and France to play an effective role in establishing regional and global stability with peace
- Bilateral relations between Bangladesh-France reached a new dimension, says PM
- Dhaka, Paris sign bilateral instruments on infrastructure, satellite system
- PM Hasina: France respects Bangladesh’s sovereign policy of independence
- Dhaka, Paris sign two instruments
French President Macron held a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in the capital, Dhaka, on Monday. They have discussed with the objective of advancing their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. Their primary focus was to explore fresh opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the realms of strategic assets and cutting-edge technologies.
Earlier, Prime Minister Hasina warmly welcomed President Macron at the Tiger Gate of the Prime Minister’s Office at 10:20 a.m., and the formal meeting commenced around 10:45 a.m.
Dhaka, Paris sign two instruments
Dhaka and Paris have signed two significant agreements. The first agreement, called the Credit Facility Agreement, was signed between the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of Bangladesh and the France Development Agency (AFD) of France. This agreement aims to improve urban governance and infrastructure in Bangladesh.
You can also read: IMF predicts higher contribution to global economy from Bangladesh than UK, France
The second agreement, known as the Letter of Intent (LOI) on Cooperation, was signed between Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) and Airbus Defence and Space SAS of France. This agreement pertains to the development and collaboration on the Bangabandhu-2 Earth Observation Satellite System.
10 Airbus Aircraft
After a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Bangladesh has made a significant commitment to purchase 10 aircraft from Airbus, representing a notable shift from its Boeing-dominated fleet and marking the South Asian country’s first deal with the European plane-maker.
French officials disclosed that the agreement for the A350 widebody airplanes, while still in the finalization stages, is set to be carried out with the national flagship carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Ltd.
“I thank you for your trust in the European aerospace industry. And this assurance for 10 Airbus A350 is important,” Macron said
In a statement, Macron expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in the European aerospace industry, emphasizing the importance of this commitment for 10 Airbus A350 aircraft.
France respects Bangladesh’s sovereign policy independence
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized that France has conveyed its deep respect and support for Bangladesh’s policy of maintaining its sovereign independence, particularly during these times of ongoing geopolitical turbulence and economic unpredictability.
She further stated, ‘We both aspire to see this new strategic collaboration between Bangladesh and France contribute significantly to the promotion of regional and global stability and peace.’
She said that the foundation of this new relationship is based on the constitutional and democratic endurance, expansion and good ascendancy in Bangladesh over the past half decade.
Bangladesh, France pledge Asia-Pacific geopolitical stability
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed gratitude for the French government’s confidence in Bangladesh’s impressive and consistent economic progress. France reaffirmed its commitment to support Bangladesh and its government in realizing Vision-2041 and maintaining trade privileges within the European Union’s GSP+ scheme.
‘The government of France has expressed its gratification with the accountable and dedicated activities of the Government of Bangladesh in protecting the essential and human rights of its people.’ PM Hasina continued.
During their discussions, both countries made significant progress in enhancing bilateral relations. As prominent and responsible powers in the Asia-Pacific region, Bangladesh and France are dedicated to ensuring regional geopolitical stability.
Additionally, France, as a trusted development partner, assured Bangladesh of its ongoing cooperation in infrastructure development, highlighting the strength of their collaborative relationship.
Sheikh Hasina thanks France for historic bilateral relationships
Sheikh Hasina, on behalf of the people of Bangladesh, expressed sincere thanks to the French government and the people of France under the leadership of President Macron.
A joint statement on this visit will be issued shortly and further details will be communicated from the responsible levels of the governments of the two countries, she added.
Furthermore, she highlighted the fruitful discussions held with French President regarding educational, cultural, and linguistic exchanges during the meeting.
Why French President Macron visited Dhaka?
On February 14, 1972, France officially acknowledged Bangladesh as an independent nation. In response, Bangladesh established its first resident Diplomatic Mission in Paris just a month later, on March 17, 1972. Since French President Francois Mitterrand’s visit to Bangladesh in 1990, the two nations have maintained a strong and harmonious relationship.
Moreover, France extended its support to Bangladesh during the 2017 Rohingya crisis, playing an active role in UNGA meetings and advocating for Rohingya rights internationally.
Macron, the first French president to visit Bangladesh in 33 years, arrived in Dhaka on Sunday evening from India after attending the G20 summit in New Delhi. The French leader left Dhaka at 2 p.m. on Monday.
