Diplomatic Desk:
Shama Obaid Islam, MP, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, and Diego Martínez Belío, State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs of Spain, held discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation, expanding trade and investment, and creating new opportunities for the migration of skilled workers between the two nations.
The meeting, held on October 28 in Madrid, Spain, covered various issues of mutual interest. Both sides emphasized the importance of fostering closer ties through trade, investment, culture, sports, tourism, and enhanced people-to-people engagement.
At the outset of the meeting, Shama Obaid Islam expressed deep condolences regarding the tragic train accident that occurred earlier that day in Toledo, Spain. She conveyed her sympathies to the families of the victims and to all those affected by the incident.
A key focus of the discussion was the expansion of existing trade and investment opportunities between Bangladesh and Spain. The two sides explored ways to enhance interaction and collaboration between their respective business communities, diversify export products, and identify new business prospects through trade exhibitions and similar events.
Highlighting the need for greater cultural cooperation, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs called for the swift finalization of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cultural collaboration. Furthermore, both sides exchanged views on expanding cooperation in sports diplomacy, the creative economy, the arts, and tourism. Noting that the Government of Bangladesh is prioritizing the promotion of sports nationwide, she remarked that sports can play an effective role in strengthening connections and relations between the two peoples.
Acknowledging the contributions of the Bangladeshi community residing in Spain, Shama Obaid Islam noted that the expatriate Bangladeshi population serves as a bridge between the two nations. She also underscored the importance of expanding legal migration pathways for skilled workers. In this context, the State Minister urged Spain to participate in the European Union’s ‘Talent Partnerships’ initiative for Bangladeshi workers.
He also reiterated Bangladesh’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants.
During the meeting, Diego Martínez Belío, Spain’s State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs, reaffirmed Spain’s support for advancing relations with Bangladesh across areas of mutual interest. Describing the prospects for future cooperation as promising, he expressed Spain’s readiness to contribute to these efforts.
Both sides agreed to expedite the finalization of bilateral instruments currently under discussion and to move forward with ongoing talks on various issues. Furthermore, they expressed interest in holding the second Bangladesh-Spain Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) as soon as possible.
Representatives from both nations also underscored the importance of maintaining regular high-level visits and communication to further invigorate bilateral cooperation.
