Diplomatic Correspondent: Bangladesh and Kuwait yesterday agreed to enhance collaboration in training, disaster response, and cyber security, as the two countries reviewed their existing defence cooperation during the first-ever Political Consultation held here. The talks were co-chaired by Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral) of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat, Assistant Foreign Minister of Kuwait for Asian Affairs, said a joint statements issued by the foreign ministry this evening.
The discussion took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reaffirming the historic friendship between the two nations that dates back to Kuwait’s early recognition of Bangladesh in 1973 and its support for Bangladesh’s OIC membership in 1974.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in political, economic, defence, labour, development, and cultural fields, and decided to hold political consultations biennially, alternately in Dhaka and Kuwait City.
They also emphasized promoting high-level visits and exchanges among government officials, business leaders, and cultural representatives to deepen bilateral ties.
During the consultation, the two sides reviewed defence cooperation, recalling Bangladesh’s contribution under Operation Kuwait Punargathan, and agreed to expand collaboration in training, disaster management, and cyber security.
They also discussed broadening manpower cooperation and finalizing pending MoUs in line with Kuwait Vision 2035, while stressing the need to further boost trade and investment, particularly in energy, infrastructure, ICT, and halal food sectors.
Bangladesh invited Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in its Special Economic Zones and Hi-Tech Parks, as both countries agreed to reactivate the Joint Trade Committee and convene a Bangladesh-Kuwait Business Forum in 2026.
The meeting also expressed satisfaction over the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED)’s ongoing support to Bangladesh, and both sides agreed to explore new areas of cooperation in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and aviation connectivity.
Highlighting the importance of education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, the two sides welcomed plans for a MoU between the Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy and the Kuwait Diplomatic Institute, and agreed to expedite the diplomatic plot exchange process.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate in multilateral fora, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Bangladesh expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s continued support to the Rohingya humanitarian response, while pledging its backing for Kuwait’s candidatures to UNESCO, UNHRC, and IAEA.
The consultations reflected the shared vision of Bangladesh and Kuwait to build a comprehensive, forward-looking partnership, rooted in mutual respect and guided by a commitment to sustainable development under Kuwait Vision 2035.
