DHAKA, May 10, 2023 (BSS) - The third Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Malaysia was held at foreign ministry here today.
 
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Deputy Secretary General of Malaysian foreign ministry led their respective sides, a press release said here today.
 
During the meeting, various issues on bilateral relations, including cooperation in the areas of trade and commerce, investment, energy, halal trade, tourism and culture, education, health, defence and security, agriculture, fisheries and livestock, ICT and telecommunication and shipping came under discussion.

They also exchanged views on issues of mutual interests in the regional and international arena.
 
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the current level of engagements and stressed on raising it further through adequate follow up on the existing bilateral instruments and mechanism.

The FOC agreed to explore the possibility of concluding a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in order to add further substance to the steadily increasing bilateral trade and economic relations between the two regional countries. 

Describing Malaysia as an important investor country in Bangladesh, foreign secretary encouraged for a greater flow of FDI from Malaysia, particularly in the Economic Zones of Bangladesh, for mutual benefit.

The two sides stressed the importance of maintaining the momentum through regular exchange of high level visits and agreed to materialize the proposed visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to Bangladesh at the earliest convenience.

Both sides reiterated their commitment for working in closer collaboration in order to effect an orderly, safe and ethical migration of Bangladeshi expatriate workers by reducing the migration costs, and by ensuring conducive atmosphere for the workers in Malaysia. 

The Malaysian side highly lauded the valuable contribution of the Bangladeshi workers to maintaining the vitality of the Malaysian economy.

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary requested Malaysia to play a more pro-active role bilaterally and within the ASEAN framework for an expeditious repatriation of the Rohingya people from Bangladesh to their homeland in Myanmar. 

He also sought an expeditious inclusion of Bangladesh as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN. 

Both sides expressed their commitment to their increased engagement across all areas to further strengthen cooperation. 

The next FOC will be held in Malaysia on a mutually convenient date.