Diplomatic Desk:
Frank Hartmann, Director General for Asia and the Pacific of the German Federal Foreign Office, paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (June 9, 2026). German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rüdiger Lotz was present at the meeting.
In the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the existing political and economic partnership between Bangladesh and Germany. They discussed various possibilities for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, supply chain, skill development, migration, people-to-people contacts, and peace and security.
Frank Hartmann emphasized the diversification and expansion of bilateral trade, saying that this would create new opportunities for cooperation in other areas as well. The two sides also exchanged views on further dynamizing the relationship through organizing bilateral consultation meetings and exchanging high-level visits.
During the meeting, the German Director General congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the term 2026-27. The State Minister for Foreign Affairs emphasized the need to further strengthen cooperation in multilateral areas and called for the continued attention and support of the international community for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Both sides highlighted the importance of signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, which they expressed the view that would be helpful in increasing bilateral trade. In addition, the need to enhance peace, stability and international cooperation through exchange of views on various regional and global issues was emphasized.
Earlier, the German Director General met with Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East and West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During this time, ways to enhance cooperation in various areas of mutual interest were discussed.
