The First Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between Bangladesh and Egypt was held in Dhaka today, on 25March 2018. Md. Shahidul Haque, Foreign Secretary, led the Bangladesh delegation while the Egyptian delegation was led byAmbassador KhaledTharwat, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Egypt.

The dialogue between these two friendly countries was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. The talks covered a wide range of bilateral issues related to political relations, trade and investment, education, culture and agricultural cooperation.It also focused on regional and global issues of interest to the two countries. The Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs applauded the impressive and sustained economic growth that has been taking place in Bangladesh.

The issue of displaced Rohingyasfeatured quite prominently during the discussions.Bangladesh side deeply appreciated the lead role taken and support extended by Egypt in the resolutionsadopted by Third Committee on ‘Situation of Myanmar (November, 2017) and by the 27th session of the Human Rights Council held in December 2017 in Geneva. Bangladesh expected that Egypt would continue to provide its support to the Rohingya issues until the humanitarian crisis ends and the displaced Rohingyanationals return to their homeland.

Among other issues Bangladesh conveyed the Government’s ‘zero tolerance’ to all forms of terrorism and countering violent extremism. It also elaborated on the efforts of its law enforcing agencies in this regard.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Foreign Service Academy, Dhaka and the Institute for Diplomatic Studies,Cairo was signedby the Foreign Secretary, Bangladesh and his Egyptian counterpartAssistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Egypt. The signing ceremony was followed by a press briefing.The MoU provides provisions forexchange programme of trainees, teachers, instructors and other resource personnel between the two institutions. The Egyptian training academy enjoys great-reputation for its high quality of training in the Arab region and in Africa.

Ambassador of Bangladesh to Egypt,Additional Secretary (FTA), Ministry of Commerce, Principal, Foreign Service Academy,Directors Generalsof the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present at the FOC.

Both Bangladesh and Egypt agreed to continue Foreign Office Consultation on a regular basis. The next round of FOC between the two countries would take place at a mutually convenient date and time in Cairo, Egypt.

Md. Alamgeer Hossain
Assistant Secretary(Mission)
External Publicity Wing
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka.
Phone : 9553216, Mobile: 01867134321