Vice Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, H.E. Ms. Maria Tripodi has met with the Hon’ble Foreign Adviser, Mr. Touhid Hossain this morning at MoFA.
Referring to the warm bilateral relations since 1972, Vice Minister Tripodi conveyed firm support of the Italian Government to the Interim Government of Bangladesh and appreciated its ongoing reform initiatives towards building a peaceful Bangladesh. She expressed satisfaction over the trade relations between the two countries, further desired to expand cooperation, particularly in textile and defence sectors.
The Foreign Adviser welcomed the Vice Minister to Dhaka on her first visit. Based on the dynamic economic relations between Bangladesh and Italy, he opted for more Italian investment, especially in the greenfield sectors. He also apprised that the present government, particularly, BIDA, is working relentlessly to create better business environment in Bangladesh with simplifying the processes for foreign investors.
On migration, both sides commended contribution of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy to both the economies. They prioritized the need for expanding legal migration pathways while affirming joint efforts to tackle irregular migration, human trafficking and migrant exploitation. As raised by the Hon’ble Foreign Adviser with deep concern, the Vice-Minister assured expedited decisions on long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers.
Vice Minister Tripodi lauded Bangladesh’s generous hosting of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and reiterated continued humanitarian and political support of Italy. Pointing to the present political situation in Myanmar, the Hon’ble Foreign Adviser concerned over the complex challenges Bangladesh is facing. Sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar is the only solution to this problem, he emphasized.
The Italian Vice Minister is paying a 2-day-long official visit to Bangladesh. This is the first ministerial visit from any EU country since the formation of the Interim Government.
After arrival at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport yesterday afternoon, she was warmly received by Mr. Abul Hasan Mridha, Director General (West Europe and EU), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.