Visiting Director for International Affairs, Returns and Visa of the European Commission, Henrik Nielsen, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Shama Obaed Islam, MP, Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. H.E. Michael Miller, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, was also present during the meeting, a press release said.

The State Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to further strengthening its multifaceted partnership with the European Union (EU) and appreciated the EU’s continued engagement in Bangladesh’s development journey. She recalled the recent high-level exchanges between Bangladesh and the EU and expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum in bilateral relations.

Migration and mobility cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. The State Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s zero-tolerance policy towards human trafficking and all forms of irregular migration, while emphasizing the Government’s commitment to promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration. She appreciated the EU Talent Partnership initiative and urged EU member states to create new legal migration pathways and expand opportunities for Bangladeshi skilled workers and professionals. 

The two sides also exchanged views on the EU’s forthcoming Asylum and Return Border Procedure and underscored the importance of close coordination, regular dialogue and due process, in migration and return matters. Both sides highlighted ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of irregular migration.

The discussions further covered a broad range of issues, including political and economic developments, employment generation, skills development, the Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status, education, sports, regional and multilateral cooperation.

The State Minister thanked the European Union for its continued support to the Rohingyas and host communities and reiterated the importance of maintaining international attention on the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further deepening Bangladesh-EU relations and enhancing collaborative efforts across a wide range of areas of mutual interest.