Bangladesh, Tajikistan Sign Foreign Office Consultation MoU to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Bangladesh and Tajikistan on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), establishing a formal mechanism for regular diplomatic dialogue and reaffirming their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in political, economic and regional affairs.

The MoU was signed ahead of the inaugural Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries, held in Dhaka.

The consultations were led by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam and Tajikistan's Deputy Foreign Minister Idibek Kalandar.

Both sides underscored the importance of reinvigorating bilateral ties and agreed to strengthen political engagement through reciprocal visits by their foreign ministers. They also discussed establishing a Bangladesh-Tajikistan Parliamentary Friendship Group to facilitate closer interaction between lawmakers.

To boost trade, investment and economic cooperation, the two countries agreed to promote greater private sector engagement and exchange business delegations to tap into untapped commercial opportunities.

Bangladesh highlighted its strengths in ready-made garments (RMG), jute and jute products, and pharmaceuticals, and invited Tajik investors to explore opportunities in the country's Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

Dhaka also proposed setting up a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade and Economic Cooperation, signing an MoU between the apex chambers of commerce of the two countries, and arranging an exploratory visit by a Tajik business delegation.

The discussions covered cooperation in the mineral sector, with Bangladesh expressing interest in leveraging Tajikistan's expertise and reserves of gold, aluminium, zinc, copper, lead and silver.

The two sides also explored ways to deepen people-to-people ties through cooperation in education, sports, tourism and culture, alongside exchanges involving students, youth and cultural groups.

Bangladesh expressed interest in expanding employment opportunities for its skilled and semi-skilled workforce in Tajikistan.

The delegations agreed to expedite negotiations on several pending bilateral agreements covering trade and economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders, tourism promotion, avoidance of double taxation, investment protection and industrial cooperation.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination and mutual support at regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Bangladesh thanked Tajikistan for backing its candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The two delegations also exchanged views on regional and global developments, recognising that stronger connectivity between South and Central Asia would contribute to regional stability and economic growth.

Describing the inaugural Foreign Office Consultations as a milestone in bilateral relations, both sides agreed that the meeting had laid a strong foundation for future cooperation and decided to hold the second round of consultations in Dushanbe on a mutually agreed date.

On the sidelines of the consultations, the two countries signed a separate MoU between their diplomatic training institutes.

The agreement was signed by Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy Rector Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith and Tajik Deputy Foreign Minister Idibek Kalandar.