Bangladesh and Qatar have elevated their bilateral relationship to new heights with the signing of 10 cooperation documents, comprising five agreements and five memorandums of understanding (MoUs). The agreements span various sectors, aimed at bolstering collaboration between the two nations.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani presided over the signing ceremony, underscoring the significance of the agreements in advancing mutual interests.
The signed agreements cover cooperation in the legal field, promotion and protection of mutual investments, avoidance of double taxation, maritime transport, and the establishment of a Joint Business Council (JBC) between key business chambers.
Additionally, the MoUs encompass cooperation in sports and youth, manpower employment, diplomatic training, education, higher education, scientific research, and port management.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Hasina warmly welcomed Amir Sheikh Tamim at her office, where the two leaders engaged in one-to-one discussions followed by bilateral talks at the Prime Minister's Office. The discussions extended to regional and global issues, including the situation in Gaza and the repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.
Expressing deep concerns over the escalating tensions in the Middle East, both leaders called for effective measures to address the question of Palestine.
Following the engagements in Bangladesh, Amir Sheikh Tamim proceeded to the Bangabhaban to meet President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The state visit of the high-level Qatari delegation, initiated at the invitation of Bangladesh's president and prime minister, underscores the significance both nations place on fostering strong diplomatic ties.
After concluding his 24-hour state visit, Amir Sheikh Tamim departed Dhaka for Kathmandu, Nepal. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud saw him off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, marking the end of the visit.
The strengthening of ties between Bangladesh and Qatar in recent years, particularly in energy imports, reflects a positive trajectory in bilateral relations. Notably, Qatar serves as the primary LNG supplier to Bangladesh, with trade exchange volume between the two countries witnessing significant growth. In 2023, trade volume surged to approximately QAR 7.8 billion, reflecting over 200% growth since 2018, primarily attributed to the active involvement of the private sectors in both nations.
The recent long-term LNG deal between QatarEnergy and US-based Excelerate Energy further underscores the deepening energy cooperation between the two countries, marking a significant milestone in their partnership.
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