European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday and discussed ways to strengthen Bangladesh-EU relations.

During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral engagement, according to a foreign ministry press release.

Humaiun Kobir expressed Bangladesh’s appreciation for the EU’s “trusted and reliable partnership” and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to multilateralism, democratic values and a rules-based international order.

He also appreciated the EU’s constructive engagement in Bangladesh’s democratic transition, including through its Election Observation Mission and support for the ongoing reform process.

The two sides exchanged views on the upcoming UN General Assembly and expressed readiness to discuss issues of mutual interest on its sidelines.

They also discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, including early progress towards formal negotiations on a Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement, with a view to strengthening long-term economic ties.

Migration management, the aviation sector and sustainable development also featured in the discussions.

The state minister appreciated the EU’s continued humanitarian support for the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh.

Both sides expressed readiness to discuss the Rohingya issue on the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly to keep it high on the international agenda.

They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-EU cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.