Diplomatic Correspondent

State Minister of the United Arab Emirates for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh met with Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr A K Abdul Momen on the sideline of IORA Ministerial meeting in Dhaka today.

They discussed about bilateral issues of mutual interest, says a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The State Minister of the UAE highly appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for ongoing socio-economic development of Bangladesh.

He stressed on cooperation for enhancing trade and investment, air and shipping connection, agriculture, Food Security, energy, pharmaceuticals, IT, aforestation, alliance for mangrove forest, renewable energy and enhancing efficiency of energy system.

The Foreign Minister thanked the State Minister for his visit to Bangladesh to attend IORA meeting. He expressed his satisfaction on the cooperation of the UAE and on outcome of the IORA meeting.

He also appreciated the tremendous development taken place in the UAE under the visionary leader of the UAE late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Dr.Momen stated that Bangladesh government is keen to establish direct shipping between Chittagong and Dubai for growth of bilateral trade. He highlighted on potentials on export of potatoes, mango, pineapple, pharmaceuticals and IT services to the UAE.

He seeks investment from the UAE in Special economic zones, high tech parks, and supply of LNG, Gas and energy and in establishing warehouse and hypermarkets in Bangladesh.

He requested for strong support of the UAE for repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. The State Minister thanked the Foreign Minister for extending all possible hospitalities during their visit to Bangladesh.