During her two-day official visit to Bangladesh, Italy’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Maria Tripodi, met with Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this morning.
Referring to the longstanding bilateral relations since 1972, Vice Minister Tripodi affirmed the Italian Government’s unwavering support for Bangladesh’s Interim Government and appreciated its ongoing reform initiatives to create a peaceful nation. She expressed satisfaction with the robust trade relations between the two countries and highlighted a desire to further enhance cooperation, particularly in the textile and defence sectors.
Welcoming her to Dhaka on her first visit, the Foreign Adviser called for increased Italian investment, especially in greenfield sectors, noting that Bangladesh, through the relentless efforts of BIDA, is striving to create a more investor-friendly business environment. He also welcomed Italy’s interest in modernising Bangladesh’s defence sector, as the country aims to diversify its sources for defence materials.
Both officials discussed migration issues, praising the significant contribution of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy. They emphasised the importance of expanding legal migration pathways while jointly combating irregular migration, human trafficking, and migrant exploitation. Addressing concerns over long-pending visa applications for Bangladeshi workers, Vice Minister Tripodi assured that expedited decisions would be made.
Additionally, Vice Minister Tripodi lauded Bangladesh for its generous hosting of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar, reiterating Italy’s ongoing humanitarian and political support. Meanwhile, the Foreign Adviser voiced concern over the current political situation in Myanmar, where non-state actors exert influence along the border, emphasising that the sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland remains the only viable solution.
This visit marks the first ministerial engagement from any EU country since the formation of Bangladesh’s Interim Government. Upon her arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport yesterday afternoon, Vice Minister Tripodi was warmly received by Abul Hasan Mridha, director general (West Europe and EU) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
