Bangladesh, Trinidad and Tobago sign MoU to establish bilateral consultation mechanism

Bangladesh and Trinidad and Tobago have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a regular mechanism for bilateral consultations, with Dhaka highlighting energy cooperation as a key area for early engagement.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs SM Sobers signed the MoU in New York on Thursday, according to a press release.

Kobir said the consultation mechanism would enable the two countries to regularly review bilateral relations, expand commercial, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation, and exchange views on regional and international issues.

He identified energy as one of the most promising areas for near-term cooperation and sought Sobers’ support for an early technical meeting between relevant organisations from both countries.

Potential participants from Trinidad and Tobago could include the National Gas Company, Atlantic LNG, Phoenix Park Gas Processors and an ammonia or fertiliser producer, the release said.

Kobir also urged Trinidad and Tobago to maintain international attention on the Rohingya crisis, including during its 2027–2028 term on the UN Security Council. He said Bangladesh continues to host more than 1.2 million Rohingyas from Myanmar at a time when humanitarian funding is declining.

He called for the Rohingyas’ safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar.

Highlighting cricket as a longstanding connection between the two countries, Kobir proposed cooperation in youth and women’s cricket, coaching, sports science and sports administration.

Both sides expressed hope that the MoU would give greater structure and substance to their longstanding friendly relations.