The Sixth Foreign Office Consultations between Bangladesh and the Netherlands were held on Thursday morning in The Hague.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary-General Christiaan Rebergen led their respective delegations to the consultations.

The discussions took place in an ambience of long-standing friendship, mutual respect and shared values, the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

Both delegations reviewed the full spectrum of ongoing cooperation and identified untapped potential for further engagement. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in pursuit of shared goals of peace and development.

The Bangladesh delegation thanked the Dutch government for its support to the interim government, including its reform initiatives aimed at inclusive governance.

The Dutch side reiterated its willingness to continue supporting Bangladesh in its efforts to consolidate democratic processes and fulfil the aspirations of its people.

Both delegations discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade, promote investment and joint ventures and explore new opportunities for economic cooperation.

The Bangladesh side underscored the importance of the Netherlands’ support in ensuring continued market access in the post-LDC graduation context, particularly under the EU’s GSP+ scheme.

The two sides reflected on their ongoing cooperation in water management and disaster resilience, acknowledging the Netherlands’ substantial technical expertise and the strategic importance of ‘Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100’ in shaping the country’s sustainable future.

They discussed opportunities to expand collaboration in agriculture, sustainable energy, port and logistics infrastructure, shipbuilding and shipbreaking as well as digital transformation.

The consultations also emphasised strengthening partnerships in education, vocational training, and knowledge exchange.

Both delegations exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the evolving peace process in Gaza and situation in the Middle East and the importance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, read the release.

They renewed their pledge to strengthen the UN system and accelerate climate action, emphasising shared responsibility in confronting the global climate crisis and equitable development financing.

The Bangladesh delegation expressed appreciation for the Netherlands’ sustained support in efforts to achieve a lasting solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis.

Both sides emphasised the urgent need for increased aid, justice and accountability for atrocities committed against the forcibly displaced Rohingyas as well as their early return to their homeland in Myanmar.

The two sides agreed to hold the next meeting in Dhaka next year at a mutually convenient schedule.