Staff Reporter<:/strong>
Bangladesh and Indonesia reaffirmed their strong commitment to strengthening regional cooperation dur-ing foreign office consultations, with both sides agreeing to deepen engagement across multiple sectors.
The second round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Indonesia was held in Jakarta yesterday in a cordial and forward-looking atmosphere, said a foreign ministry’s press release here.
The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam, while the Indo-nesian side was headed by Director General of Asia, Pacific and African Affairs at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Santo Darmosumarto.
The consultations marked the continuation of a structured dialogue mechanism following the inaugural round held in 2021, providing a comprehensive platform to review bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and multilateral issues.
Both sides held wide-ranging discussions covering trade and investment, energy, agriculture, education, health, digital economy, security, connectivity, tourism, fisheries, culture and people-to-people exchang-es.
Bangladesh invited enhanced Indonesian investment in high-potential sectors including pharmaceuticals, hospitality, tourism, ICT, renewable energy, leather and footwear.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen trade facilitation measures and expedite meetings of the Trade Negotiating Committee and the Joint Working Group on Power and Energy.
Bangladesh sought Indonesia’s continued support for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of forcibly displaced Rohingyas, ensuring their rights and sustainable livelihoods. Dhaka also requested Jakarta’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
On the sidelines, Foreign Secretary Siam met Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Anis Matta and extended an invitation for high-level visits between the two countries.
Officials from both sides, including senior diplomats and representatives from relevant ministries, attend-ed the consultations.
