Khairul Alam: Both Bangladesh and France have voiced their strong condemnation of any unconstitutional changes in government and power grabs by military rulers in any country around the world.
Furthermore, France has pledged technological assistance to Bangladesh in countering cyber threats.
On Monday (September 11), during a bilateral meeting in Dhaka, the Presidents of France, Emmanuel Macron, and Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, issued a joint statement addressing the issue of military regimes seizing power.
In their joint statement, Bangladesh and France expressed their concern over the global impact of climate change and disruptions in supply chains, affecting global food security, food safety, and nutrition.
Both countries have agreed to collaborate on enhancing their capabilities for food security and establishing resilient and sustainable food and agricultural systems through regular dialogue and cooperation.
France commended Bangladesh for its commitment to food security and resilience and offered support through the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM).
The joint statement also highlighted France’s commitment to supporting urban development and infrastructure in more than 86 municipalities in Bangladesh. A $200 million agreement has been signed between the Bangladeshi government, the Asian Development Bank, and the French Agency for Development (AFD).
Bangladesh and France emphasized the importance of ecosystem services provided by forests and wetlands. They invited international investors to explore opportunities for joint investments in Bangladesh’s biodiversity and coastal resources.
Both countries agreed to advance their bilateral trade and investment cooperation, particularly in sectors such as information technology and the railway sector.
They expressed their intention to boost economic relations during the upcoming Bangladesh-France Investment Summit in Paris and Toulouse on October 23-25.
The joint statement also addressed the situation in Ukraine, affirming their unwavering commitment to principles of territorial integrity, peace, and security, as well as a peaceful resolution to conflicts.
France and Bangladesh reiterated their strong belief in multilateralism and the United Nations’ role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping. In this regard, they reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability and the sovereignty of all nations.
This meeting signals a renewed commitment by France and Bangladesh to strengthen their partnership and address global challenges together.