Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur want stronger ties; next round of discussions on FTA soon

Bangladesh and Malaysia have agreed to hold next round of discussions on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) soon, noting that Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's visit has elevated the bilateral relations to a new height.

The two countries also agreed to hold a foreign minister-level joint commission meeting preferably in early next year.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus discussed the issues during a bilateral meeting in Dhaka.

The Malaysian PM paid an official visit to Bangladesh, marking the first official visit by any head of government after the assumption of the interim government assumed office.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to Bangladesh "symbolises Malaysia's solidarity" with the people of the country, who are currently facing challenging times, said the Malaysian side.

"This visit echoes history, as Malaysia was the first Muslim country to recognise Bangladesh's independence on 31 January 1972," Bernama quoted High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim as saying.

In 2023, Bangladesh was Malaysia's 27th largest trading partner, 19th largest export destination and 47th largest source of imports, making it Malaysia's second-largest trading partner among South Asian countries.

Last year, the total trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh reached RM12.7 billion ($2.78 billion).

The Malaysian PM said that he will extend wholehearted support in this regard. As regards Bangladesh's bid for Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, Anwar Ibrahim assured to extend all possible support.

A 58-member delegation, comprising Foreign Minister, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister, Deputy Minister for Transport, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs, Members of Parliament, and high officials of the Malaysian government accompanied the Prime Minister.

The Malaysian PM was accorded red-carpet reception with guard of honour and gun salutes.

Official engagements began with a tête-à-tête between the two leaders followed by a bilateral talk.

During the meetings, two leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to revitalise the long-standing bilateral relations and also discussed potential areas of collaboration, among others, data science, semi-conductor, artificial intelligence, finance, health, higher education, agriculture, energy, defence and halal economy.

The Malaysian PM lauded the enormous contribution of Prof Yunus for the marginalized segment of the society through microcredit and social business in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world.

Referring to the chief adviser as his 'great friend', the Malaysian Prime Minister expressed his support to the Interim government's reform efforts.

Advisers for foreign affairs, commerce and finance, expatriates' welfare, home affairs, road, transport and bridges, chief adviser's special envoy on international affairs, relevant secretaries and other senior officials of the Bangladesh government were present from the Bangladesh delegation.

Chief adviser also briefed the visiting Prime Minister on the ongoing reform initiatives undertaken by the Interim Government towards a democratic and just Bangladesh.

"We are moving to a new Bangladesh, which will make us proud," said Prof Yunus.

The Malaysian PM expressed his support to the interim government's effort "to bring Bangladesh's economic trajectory back to track".

Prof Yunus urged the Malaysian government to issue multiple visas for the Bangladeshi workers and increase the professional and workers in-take to Malaysia.

While deeply appreciating the enormous contribution made by the Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim underscored the importance of ensuring decent work condition and other benefits.

He added that Malaysian government is reviewing the whole recruitment process aimed at ensuring full transparency and accountability in the sector.

Advisers of the interim government, members of the Malaysian delegation, foreign envoys, government high officials and eminent persons were in attendance.

Anwar Ibrahim also called on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban. Issues pertaining to mutual interests featured prominently in the discussion.