Diplomatic Desk:
The Second Round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia was successfully held in Jakarta on 13 April 2026, in a cordial and forward-looking atmosphere. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam. The Indonesian delegation was led by Director General of Asia, Pacific and African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Dr. Santo Darmosumarto.
This round marked the continuation of a structured and institutionalized dialogue mechanism between the two countries, following the successful inaugural round held in 2021 and provided a comprehensive and constructive platform to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and to exchange views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. Both sides engaged in wide-ranging discussions covering trade and investment, energy, agriculture, education, health, digital economy, security, connectivity, tourism, fisheries, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Bangladesh invited enhanced Indonesian investment particularly in high-potential sectors such as pharmaceuticals, hospitality, tourism, ICT, renewable energy, leather, and footwear. Both sides also agreed to further strengthen trade facilitation measures and to expedite the convening of the Trade Negotiating Committee and the Joint Working Group on Power and Energy. They underscored the importance of greater engagement between the private sectors to deepen economic cooperation and emphasized the early finalization of all relevant pending legal instruments.
Recognizing the importance of enhanced connectivity, Bangladesh requested Indonesia to consider easing visa procedures for Bangladeshi nationals to facilitate greater mobility and exchanges and establishment of direct flights. Two sides acknowledged significant opportunities to expand collaboration in agriculture and fisheries, alongside broader cooperation in the agriculture and health sectors, reflecting shared priorities in ensuring food security and sustainable development.
Bangladesh and Indonesia reaffirmed their strong commitment to strengthening regional cooperation. Bangladesh sought Indonesia’s continued support for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas, ensuring their sustainable livelihoods, rights, and dignity. Bangladesh also requested Indonesia’s support for its bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
On the sidelines, Foreign Secretary Siam met the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Anis Matta. He extended him a cordial invitation and emphasized on long due high level visits between the two countries.
The Bangladesh delegation included Mr. Dewan Hossne Ayub, Director General of the South East Asia Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Maushumi Rahman, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Bangladesh in Jakarta; Mr. A K M Fazlul Hoque, Joint Secretary, Energy and Mineral Resources Division; and Mr. Atique Mahmud, Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka.
The Indonesian delegation included Ambassador of Indonesia to Bangladesh Listyowati, the Director of South and Central Asian Affairs, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats from the Embassy of Indonesia in Bangladesh, and representatives from relevant Indonesian ministries and agencies.
