The third Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Malaysia, which took place on the 10th of May at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, focused on whether or not the two countries could sign a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and whether or not Bangladeshi workers could safely migrate to Malaysia, said a spokesperson.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Senior Secretary Diplomat Masud Bin Momen. A five-part Malaysian designation was led by Mr. Dato Norman Muhamad, representative secretary general of the Service of International Concerns of Malaysia, said the foreign service representative.

During the FOC, the two sides consented to investigate the chance of closing a respective FTA to fortify the consistently expanding reciprocal exchange and financial relations between the two territorial nations.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen described Malaysia as a significant financial backer country in Bangladesh and encouraged a more prominent foreign direct investment (FDI) progression from Malaysia, especially in the Monetary Zones of Bangladesh, for a common advantage.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to collaborating more closely to reduce migration costs and create a favorable environment for Bangladeshi expatriate workers in Malaysia while ensuring an orderly, safe, and ethical migration.

The Malaysian side recognized the significance of Bangladeshi laborers in keeping up with the vitality of the Malaysian economy.

They also talked about common interests in the local and global arenas. After a gap of more than five years, the FOC was held. Both sides expressed optimism that it would significantly contribute to injecting additional dynamism into the existing bilateral relations.

The current level of engagement was praised by both parties, who also emphasized the need to improve it further through appropriate follow-up of bilateral instruments and mechanisms.

They also emphasized making regular high-level visits to carry on the momentum and consented to materialize the proposed visit of the Malaysian PM to Bangladesh at the earliest convenience.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen requested Malaysia to be more proactive both bilaterally and within the framework of ASEAN to speed up the repatriation of Rohingya from Bangladesh to their homeland in Myanmar.

Additionally, he sought Bangladesh’s prompt inclusion as an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.

Both sides expressed their determination to increase engagement in all areas to strengthen cooperation further. The discussions were substantial and fruitful. The next FOC will take place in Malaysia on a date that works for both parties.