Online Desk  :   Highlighting that Bangladesh wants to diversify its sourcing for defence materials, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday welcomed Italian interest in contributing to the modernisation of the defence sector of Bangladesh. Vice Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Maria Tripodi, met with the Foreign Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed the issues of mutual interest. On the issue of migration, both sides commended contribution of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy to both the economies. They prioritised the need for expanding legal migration pathways while affirming joint efforts to tackle irregular migration, human trafficking and migrant exploitation.

As raised by the foreign adviser with deep concern, the vice-minister assured expedited decisions on long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers. 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. 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.

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 with control of non-state actors in the bordering area, the foreign adviser expressed concern over the complex challenges Bangladesh is facing. Sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar, is the only solution to this problem, he emphasised. The Italian vice minister is paying a two-day-long official visit to Bangladesh.

This is the first ministerial visit from any EU country since the formation of the interim government, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After arrival at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, she was warmly received by Abul Hasan Mridha, Director General (West Europe and EU), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.