Bangladesh and the Netherlands have discussed expanding trade ties, exploring a free trade agreement with the European Union, cooperation on the Teesta project and efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis during a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma in Dhaka today (13 October).
The meeting took place at the Prime Minister's Office at the Secretariat, according to a press release from the Prime Minister's Press Wing.
During the meeting, Sjoerdsma said the two countries had an opportunity to deepen relations through expanded investment and cooperation, particularly in water resource management, transboundary river management, democracy and economic development.
The Bangladesh government welcomed the Netherlands' interest in conducting a feasibility study for the Teesta project and providing technical assistance and expertise, the press release said.
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh and the Netherlands, both delta countries, had significant scope to work together to address shared challenges and exchange experiences. He also expressed particular interest in the Netherlands' experience in land reclamation.
The Dutch minister emphasised knowledge-sharing and closer cooperation in water resource management, land reclamation, char development and adaptive river management.
Trade, energy and agriculture cooperation
The two sides also discussed free trade and Bangladesh's trade relations with the European Union.
Sjoerdsma expressed interest in free trade, while Bangladesh sought the Netherlands' support in exploring the possibility of a free trade agreement with the EU.
The Dutch minister also sought information on the government's measures to address Bangladesh's ongoing energy crisis and praised the country's plans for renewable energy.
The Netherlands expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Bangladesh in agriculture, drawing on its experience and technological expertise, according to the press release.
Rohingya crisis and human rights
The Rohingya crisis was another key topic of discussion. Bangladesh reiterated its position that the crisis originated in Myanmar and that a sustainable solution must also be found there.
The government aims to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya people to Myanmar. Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening diplomatic efforts at bilateral and multilateral levels to resolve the crisis.
The meeting also addressed the consolidation of democracy and the protection of human rights in Bangladesh.
Tarique Rahman said the BNP, as a political party, had experienced human rights violations in the past. Drawing on that experience, his government was committed to protecting and strengthening human rights in the country.
At the end of the meeting, Sjoerdsma invited the prime minister to visit the Netherlands.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Foreign Affairs State Minister Humaiun Kobir, Prime Minister's Adviser on Education, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Mahdi Amin, Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel and relevant officials were present at the meeting.