Bangladesh, S Korea discuss political, economic partnership

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir held separate meetings with Park Yoon-joo, first vice minister of foreign affairs, and Lee Doo-hee, vice minister of national defence of the Republic of Korea (ROK) in Seoul on Friday, discussing issues of mutual interest with particular focus on political and economic cooperation.

With Vice Minister Park, the state minister conveyed Bangladesh's readiness to work closely with the Korean government to deepen longstanding friendly relations, said a press release.

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Bangladesh seeks greater S Korean trade, investment cooperation

He handed over an invitation letter from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

The state minister appreciated Korea's remarkable transformation into a global economic and technological leader, noting its development experience continues to inspire Bangladesh.

He expressed satisfaction at regular Foreign Office Consultations and other high-level exchanges, and reaffirmed Bangladesh's support for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

The state minister welcomed progress towards concluding the Bangladesh–ROK Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and hoped for its early signing. He called for greater bilateral trade and investment, enhanced market access for Bangladeshi products, and increased Korean investment in semiconductors, electronics, shipbuilding, light engineering, high-end RMG, ICT and other technology-intensive sectors.

He also highlighted opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, logistics, digital transformation, skills development and services, seeking Korean support for greater employment opportunities for Bangladeshi skilled and semi-skilled workers through the Employment Permit System.

Appreciating Korea's development partnership, the state minister sought enhanced cooperation in climate resilience, infrastructure, human-resource development, technical and vocational education and digital technologies.

He expressed appreciation for Korea's humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas and sought continued support for their early and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues, reaffirming the importance of cooperation in multilateral fora.

In the meeting, both sides discussed further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, including training, capacity building, UN peacekeeping and defence industry cooperation.

The state minister appreciated Korea’s cooperation in training and capacity building of Bangladesh’s armed forces, police and civil defence personnel, and requested continued and expanded opportunities for specialised training.

He also encouraged the Korean side to send military personnel to participate in specialised courses offered by the Bangladesh Armed Forces.

The state minister informed the Korean side that Bangladesh is in the process of establishing a defence industrial zone and invited Korean interest in exploring investment opportunities in the initiative, with a view to promoting technology, industrial cooperation and mutual economic benefits.

The Korean side appreciated Bangladesh’s interest in strengthening bilateral defence relations and expressed readiness to explore opportunities for greater cooperation in mutually agreed areas, including training, capacity building and peacekeeping.

The meetings reaffirmed the shared commitment of Bangladesh and the Republic of Korea to further consolidate their longstanding partnership and expand cooperation for mutual benefit.