DHAKA, Dec 8, 2024 (BSS) - Bangladesh and Bosnia & Herzegovina have held their first bilateral consultations in Sarajevo, marking a significant step in deepening their diplomatic ties.

 The discussions, held on December 4, were led by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Ambassador Md. Jashim Uddin and Bosnia & Herzegovina Foreign Secretary Mr. Edin Dilberovic, a foreign ministry’s press release said here today.

The dialogue focused on a wide range of areas, including medical tourism, education, labour migration, defence cooperation, cultural exchanges, trade, and economic collaboration.

Both nations also discussed facilitating high-level visits to further enhance ties.

Key regional and global issues such as the Rohingya crisis and climate change were also addressed, reflecting shared commitments to tackling pressing global challenges.

On December 5, Ambassador Jashim Uddin met several dignitaries from Bosnia & Herzegovina, including Foreign Affairs Adviser Marko Milisav, Deputy Minister of Defence Slaven Galic, Vice President of the Foreign Trade Chamber Mr. Zdravko Marinkovic, and Assistant Health Minister Professor Juric Arapovic.

These meetings, held on the sidelines of the consultations, facilitated fruitful discussions on mutual areas of interest.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in peace and security, education, health, science, culture, and defence, as well as boosting business-to-business contacts and trade and investment opportunities.

The consultations also coincided with celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Bosnia & Herzegovina, adding symbolic importance to the dialogue.

Both nations expressed optimism about advancing their partnership in the coming years.