Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland, Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D. met with Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud on 18 March 2024 afternoon at the latter’s office.
The Foreign Minister thanked the Irish Minister for visiting Bangladesh to further strengthen Bangladesh-Ireland bilateral relations. He suggested further enhancement of bilateral trade in goods and services through new initiatives and sought Ireland’s support for EU’s EBA trade preferences to Bangladesh until 2032 and GSP+ benefits beyond 2032. The minister invited Irish investment in Bangladesh, particularly in our agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and IT sectors. He also thanked Ireland for hosting a few thousand Bangladeshi Diaspora and requested the Irish Minister to ease visa processes to enable more Bangladeshi students and IT professionals to pursue higher studies and work in Ireland.
The Irish Minister congratulated the Foreign Minister on his new appointment. Highly praising Bangladesh’s sustained high economic growth, he suggested an exchange of visits of delegations with a special focus on bilateral trade and collaboration in the areas of technology, pharmaceuticals, and energy. He also assured Irish support in favor of Bangladesh’s appeal for an extension of EBA facilities until 2032 and GSP+ facilities beyond 2032. Referring to the migrant-friendly policy of the Irish government, the Irish Minister welcomed more Bangladeshi students and professionals to Ireland.
The Irish Minister hoped for an early solution to the Rohingya crisis and added that an additional Euro 1.5 million in humanitarian assistance would be provided to the Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
The two Ministers shared their views on the war in the Gaza Strip and expressed deep concern over the killing of innocent people, particularly women and children. They agreed that the 2-state solution can bring lasting peace in the region.