The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed its keen interest to transform its bilateral ties with Bangladesh into a partnership level.
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan showed the interest at a bilateral meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Hasan Mahmud on Friday evening at the royal palace in the city of Al Ain in Abu Dhabi, said foreign ministry officials in Dhaka.
During the meeting, the UAE foreign minister laid emphasis on signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between his country and Bangladesh and activating the Joint Business Council (JBC) with Dhaka to build the economic partnership.
At the outset of the meeting that lasted a quarter past an hour, Bangladesh foreign minister handed over the invitation letter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah inviting the UAE President to visit Bangladesh on the occasion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Mahmud recalled the historical ties between the two brotherly countries that was established by the founding fathers of Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates, praised the leadership of the UAE for their unprecedented progress during last five decades.
The Bangladesh foreign minister also highlighted the outstanding achievements of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
While reviewing the whole gamut of existing bilateral cooperation, the two ministers stressed on exploring new emerging areas including energy security, food security, environment and climate change, renewable energy, people-to-people communication and to increase bilateral trade. Mahmud highlighted the potentials of investment from the UAE government and businessmen to develop the Matarbari Exclusive Economic Zone, port and logistics management, development of the land gifted to the founder President of the modern UAE, Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahyan in Rangunia.
The UAE foreign minister expressed his interest in advancing the ongoing investment in Bangladesh.
The two leaders exchanged views on various regional issues including Rohingya repatriation and efforts to end the ongoing Gaza war.
UAE Foreign Minister gave a positive response when Hasan Mahmud requested to simplify the visa process for Bangladeshis in all trades including graduate nurses, caregivers, healthcare technicians, agriculturists, farmers and various professionals in the UAE and ease the transfer of work permits from one employer to another.
Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates Md. Abu Zafar and foreign ministry’s Director General of the West Asia wing Md. Shafiqur Rahman were present in the meeting.