EU
European Commission President pledges enhanced cooperation with Bangladesh under PM Hasina’s new term
Congratulating Sheikh Hasina on her recent re-appointment as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said she looks forward to continue working with PM Hasina towards further strengthening the relations between the European Union and Bangladesh in the coming years.
“The European Union is committed to cooperating with Bangladesh on sustainable development, climate change, migration, and other issues of shared interest,” said the head of the European Commission in a letter to PM Hasina.
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The European Commission President said she had the pleasure of meeting PM Hasina in Brussels in 2023 on the occasion of the Global Gateway Forum.
“This also marked the formal launch of negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which aims to broaden and modernize the framework for our partnership,” she mentioned.
“Within the framework of our long-term partnership with Bangladesh, the European Union will continue to work with Bangladesh to uphold and advance the shared priorities of democracy, human rights and the rule of law that underpin our relations,” said the European Commission President, wishing PM Hasina every success.
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‘PCA can be something broad to discuss Bangladesh-EU relations’
The new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with the European Union (EU) can be “something very broad” to discuss future Bangladesh-EU relations, said a senior official at the EU headquarters ahead of the 3rd EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum.
Talking to UNB virtually, he mentioned joint launching of negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on October 25 last year in Brussels to expand and develop the multi-dimensional relationship between Bangladesh and the EU.
PCA is a legally binding agreement and it is one of three special types of international agreements.
By means of a PCA, the EU works to support the democratic and economic development of a country.
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A PCA is typically entered into for ten years, after which they are automatically extended each year provided no objections are raised.
The third EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum will be held in Brussels on February 2 and it will be chaired by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell.
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud is scheduled to attend the forum who is also likely to have a number of meetings on the sidelines of the forum.
It will include an opening plenary session, three roundtable discussions and a closing session.
The Brussels Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum builds on the success of the previous two EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forums held in Paris in February 2022 and in Stockholm in May 2023.
It will provide a platform for dialogue, for shaping a collective vision for the region’s future and for identifying practical ways to enhance cooperation and deepen solidarity.
Europe and the Indo-Pacific are highly interconnected and interdependent, that is why the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum serves as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Asked whether the EU’s strategy for cooperation with the Indo-Pacific countries will concentrate on the security or economic dimensions, the EU senior official referred to the seven pillars of EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
The seven priority areas for the EU action are sustainable and inclusive prosperity; green transition; ocean governance; digital governance and partnerships; connectivity; security and defence; and human security.
He said Bangladesh is a massive country in terms of population and it has a very impressive economic growth.
Commending the EU as Bangladesh’s largest export market, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud recently requested for EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) trade concessions until 2032 to support Bangladesh’s smooth graduation from the LDC status as well as EU’s import of diversified products from Bangladesh including jute and jute goods along with traditional products like apparels and shrimps.
The Indo-Pacific region is of key strategic importance, both in economic and geopolitical terms. The 2021 EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific sets out how the EU is stepping up collaboration with Indo-Pacific partners to contribute to the region’s stability, security and prosperity.
The EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum will bring together the EU and its Member States with countries from the East coast of Africa in the West to the Pacific islands in the East.
The EU and Indo-Pacific partners will discuss how to address the increasing number of complex economic, environmental, geopolitical, and security challenges that affect both regions. Climate change and environmental degradation are existential threats for all.
It is clear that close cooperation is key to addressing these challenges effectively, achieving sustainable economic growth, and strengthening resilience to shocks and disruptions.
The digital economy, in particular, holds the potential for significant innovation and growth.
EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting
The 24th EU-ASEAN Ministerial meeting also takes place in Brussels on February 2.
The meeting will be co-chaired by EU High Representative Josep Borrell and the Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo.
It will review the implementation of decisions adopted at the EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit held one year ago in December 2022 and agree on future steps in developing the EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership.
During last year's EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit, the EU pledged to mobilize EUR 10 billion for connectivity projects in ASEAN under the Global Gateway initiative.
To emphasise the centrality of ASEAN in the EU Indo-Pacific Strategy, ASEAN Foreign Ministers have also been invited to participate in the EU’s 3rd Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, to be held on the same day.
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EU wants to elevate partnership with Bangladesh to new height: Ambassador Whiteley tells PM
The European Union (EU) wants to take the partnership and cooperation with Bangladesh to a new height, said its ambasador said on Thursday (January 18, 2024).
Ambassador Charles Whiteley made the remarks while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban.
He also congratulated Hasina on her re-election as the prime minister for fourth consecutive term and the fifth overall.
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"The existing facilities which Bangladesh is currently getting in various sectors including environment, good governance, renewable energy and transportation under the Global Gateway will be further enhanced in the days to come," PM's Deputy Press Secretary Md. Noorelahi Mina said quoted Whiteley.
The ambassador mentioned that the EU had already given Bangladesh 407 million Euro during the recent Global Gateway Forum summit at Brussels in Belgium.
The EU envoy promised to continue the facilities given to Bangladesh under EBA (Everything but Arms) facilities.
He also pledged to continue the GSP plus facilities to Bangladesh, said the deputy press secretary.
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The EU ambssador also highly praised the inititives taken by Hasina's government for the development of those with disabilities and the marginalised people.
Bangladesh Premier has expressed her satisfaction over the existing relationship between her country and the European Union over the last 50 years.
"This relationship between Bangladesh and European Union will be elevated to a new height," she said.
The prime minister thanked the EU for continuing support under the EBA and sought greater cooperation in different sectors including renewable energy under the Global Gateway programme.
Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present during the meeting.
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EU to start negotiations on Partnership Cooperation Agreement very soon, says Charles Whiteley
Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, on Wednesday (January 17, 2024) said they are going to start negotiations on the Partnership Cooperation Agreement very soon which he sees as a new generation agreement involving wide-ranging issues.
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“We had a very fruitful and dynamic discussion,” he told reporters after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Whiteley said they discussed ways to take the Bangladesh-EU partnership forward.
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Peter Haas, Charles Whiteley to meet Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud today
Amid continuous greetings from Bangladesh's international friends and partners to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her re-election, ambassadors of the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) are set to meet Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today (January 17, 2024) at his office.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, who was criticised in the political arena before the January 7 national election, will meet the foreign minister at 12 pm today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Later, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley will meet Minister Hasan Mahmud at 1 pm, according to the minister’s programme schedule.
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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formed her new cabinet on January 11 with a combination of new and old faces.
Even though the United States concluded that the election was not “free or fair,” it voiced commitment to work with Bangladesh.
The US ambassador also attended the oath-taking ceremony held at Bangabhaban recently.
“Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties,” said US State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller a day after the election.
The European Union (EU) said it will continue to work with the government of Bangladesh on the priorities that characterise their longstanding relations in the political, human rights, trade and development spheres including the country’s possible future access to the GSP+ preferential trade scheme.
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"The EU strongly encourages all stakeholders to respect political pluralism, democratic values and international human rights standards and to engage in peaceful dialogue," said High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles in a statement on behalf of the EU.
It is essential that the media, civil society and political parties can carry out their work without censorship or fear of reprisals, said the EU.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma met the foreign minister on Monday.He was the first foreign envoy to meet the foreign minister after formation of the new Cabinet.
Ruling out any external pressure, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said Bangladesh will stick to its foreign policy principle – “friendship to all, malice towards none” – against the backdrop of a divided world.
US Ambassador Peter Haas holding meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen
“All the countries in the East and the West have expressed their willingness to work with us, with the government. At the end of the day, they are our development partners and we will work together,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Foreign Minister is scheduled to leave for Uganda on Wednesday night to attend the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
EU allocates €300,000 in humanitarian aid to gutted Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps
In response to the recent fire in one of the refugee camps, hosting nearly 1 million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, the European Union has released €300 000 to assist the affected population.
The incident left over 5 000 people without shelter.
The funding will serve to provide immediate emergency assistance to address the most urgent needs, notably in terms of shelter, water and site development, said the EU Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday.
It will be implemented by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and complement efforts of other humanitarian partners.
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In the early hours of 7 January, a large fire broke out in one of the most congested camps, Camp 5, where it quickly spread. Close to 950 shelters burned down or were partially destroyed.
The fire also damaged communal facilities, including one health centre, 15 learning centres, as well as numerous latrines and washrooms.
Despite the extensive damage, no casualties have been reported so far, thanks to the rapid intervention of the fire brigade with the essential help of Rohingya community volunteers.
Since fires are frequent in the congested camps, EU-funded disaster preparedness programmes have helped humanitarian partners strengthen camp structures and better prepare for such risks.
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This new funding comes in addition to the over €38 million provided by the EU last year in humanitarian aid to Bangladesh, notably in response to the Rohingya refugee crisis, but also to reduce the impact of natural hazards.
Last March, when another devastating fire caused substantial damage in Cox’s Bazar camps, the EU released €1 million to assist the affected refugees.
All countries in the East and West willing to work with us: FM Hasan Mahmud
Ruling out any external pressure, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said Bangladesh will stick to its foreign policy principle – “friendship to all, malice towards none” – against the backdrop of a divided world.
“All the countries in the East and the West have expressed their willingness to work with us, with the government. At the end of the day, they are our development partners and we will work together,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Maritime Affairs Unit Secretary Rear Admiral (retd) Khurshed Alam were present at the time.
Meeting reporters for the first time after taking oath as the foreign minister, Hasan said the world is gradually becoming divided and it is a challenge in this changing scenario.
Apart from forging deeper friendships with all the countries, he said the government values their concerns, too.
“There had been many pressures centering the election. The election was held overcoming all those pressures. We never allowed us to feel any pressure from anyone. We will work together with all,” he said.
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Responding to a question, he said they will have no problem in working together with all as Bangladesh has willingness to get closer to all. “We want to be with all. That is our strength.”
The foreign minister laid emphasis on sending skilled manpower abroad, addressing the problems of the expatriates and encouraging them to send remittance through formal channels.
He said the government needs to strengthen its economic diplomacy to expand its export market and explore new markets.
He reiterated that at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government’s cabinet in Bangabhaban, all the ambassadors and high commissioners based in Dhaka, including those from the US, UK and the European Union (EU), were present.
“They all came to congratulate the current government,” said the new foreign minister.Responding to a question, Hasan said each country has its own “perspective and narrative,” and the government of Bangladesh values those perspectives and narratives.
“It’s a very important ministry. It is a challenge,” he said about his new role.
FM Hasan said the elections were free and fair as described by international observers.
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“We will work with all the countries – call it the West or East – for the development of our country. We believe in friendship to all and malice to none,” he said.
He said the election was held in a free and fair manner with the wider participation of voters in a festive atmosphere.
He said huge foreign observers including from the US, EU, OIC, Commonwealth, Japan and Saarc countries observed the polls and acknowledged the polls as “free and fair” with enthusiastic participation of voters.
“There were many barriers but the observers came to accept the polls,” he said.
The foreign minister, quoting a US observer, said there are always discussions and questions about the election, and even in the US.
“Ministry of Information was a challenge. I met that challenge with your help. It's definitely a challenge in the global context and the fact that there are wars going on in different parts of the world now,” said the foreign minister while responding to a question.
He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, they have taken the country forward by facing all the challenges.
“Prime Minister has entrusted me with the responsibility of foreign ministry. Insha Allah, facing this challenge, we will move the country forward and brighten the country’s image, improve relations with the East and the West,” the foreign minister said.
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Will continue to work with government of Bangladesh on priorities that characterise longstanding relations: EU
The European Union (EU) on Tuesday (January 09, 2024) said it will continue to work with the government of Bangladesh on the priorities that characterise their longstanding relations in the political, human rights, trade and development spheres including the country’s possible future access to the GSP+ preferential trade scheme.
"The EU strongly encourages all stakeholders to respect political pluralism, democratic values and international human rights standards and to engage in peaceful dialogue," reads the statement issued from Brussels.
It is essential that the media, civil society and political parties can carry out their work without censorship or fear of reprisals, said the EU.
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The statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the parliamentary elections has taken note of the outcome of the Parliamentary elections, which were held in Bangladesh last Sunday.
It reiterated that the long-term EU-Bangladesh partnership is underpinned by the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
The EU regretted that not all major parties participated in this election.
The EU welcomed the agreement of the authorities to make public the upcoming report and recommendations of the EU Election Expert Mission.
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"In the same spirit of transparency and accountability, we call upon the relevant authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation of all reported election irregularities," the statement reads.
The EU condemned the acts of violence that occurred during the electoral period and urges everybody to refrain from violence in the post-election period.
"It is also key that the rule of law, judicial independence, due process and the right to peaceful assembly are respected and upheld in this period and beyond. In this regard, detention of opposition figures is highly concerning," reads the statement.
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EU delegation in town to assess labour conditions
A delegation of the European Union (EU) arrived in Dhaka on Sunday to have discussions with relevant stakeholders on the country’s labour sector.
"Freshly arrived in Dhaka for EU exchanges with Bangladesh stakeholders on labour rights and human rights," EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter after his arrival together with some of the delegation members from Brussels.
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They visited a school for children with disabilities in Badda, Dhaka.
"Very glad to be again in Dhaka," said Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni who is leading the delegation.
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They will have meetings with labour, commerce and foreign secretaries of the government on Wednesday apart from their talks with other relevant stakeholders.
The visit is aimed at taking "stock of progress" in implementing the National Action Plan for the labour sector, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley told UNB.
Bangladesh adopted a National Action Plan (2021-2026) on the labour sector and the plan is closely linked to the roadmap submitted by the government of Bangladesh to the ILO Governing Body as the result of an Article 26 complaint.
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The roadmap aims to improve the country’s observance of labour rights including freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
Last month, Ambassador Whiteley said aligning labour law with international standards will be an “essential element” for the European Parliament and the Commission in considering Bangladesh’s application for market access, the GSP+.
“Bangladesh has the option to accede to GSP+ which is the next most generous GSP programme after the Everything but Arms (EBA),” he said while speaking at a seminar in Dhaka.
Bangladesh can support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines: PM tells EIB President
European Investment Bank (EIB) President Dr Werner Hoyer has appreciated the use of Euro 1 billion loan portfolio for Bangladesh since 2000 in areas of shared priorities.
He noted, in particular, progress in projects – under implementation – under water treatment and rail link upgradation.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with the EIB President recently at her hotel suite in Brussels.
The prime minister referred to the achievements made so far in ensuring safe water and sanitation for nearly 97 percent of the population in Bangladesh.
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She requested EIB to consider supporting river dredging, water conservation, and surface irrigation.
PM Hasina also mentioned the initiatives taken by her government to develop dual-track railway, to promote cost-effective passenger and container traffic.
She appreciated the interest of multilateral development banks in financing such impactful connectivity projects.
The EIB president referred to the loan package of Euro 250 million signed in 2021, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (October 26, 2023).
He shared that the disbursement of the amount would commence soon for the purpose of health system strengthening.
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The EIB president observed that Bangladesh was in an ideal situation to roll out vaccine production.
The prime minister informed him about the measures taken by the government to develop a vaccine production facility and a molecular testing laboratory.
She suggested that EIB extend support for necessary infrastructure development for these initiatives.
She reiterated that Bangladesh could support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines and medical equipment.
She also discussed possible support measures for combating dengue outbreaks, including through vaccines.
The EIB is the largest multilateral public bank in the world.
In 2022 it financed around Euro 10.8 billion in investments outside the European Union via EIB Global, the arm of the bank created that year for activities beyond Europe.
Since the beginning of its operations in Bangladesh in 2000, the EIB has supported six projects in the country and has invested more than Euro 670 million in water, transport and health projects.
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