DHAKA : Germany and Europe are keen to strengthen engagement with Bangladesh following the country's successful democratic transition, a senior German foreign ministry’s official said after a high-level visit aimed at expanding political and economic cooperation.

“Bangladesh has gone through a difficult political transition in recent years, but it led to a successful outcome of a new democratically elected government. Germany and Europe are willing and eager to engage more with Bangladesh and get to know the country better,” said Frank Hartmann, Director General for Asia and the Pacific at Germany's Federal Foreign Office (FFO).

Hartmann and Steffen Koch, Head of the South Asia Division of the FFO, visited Bangladesh from June 9 to 11 and held meetings with government officials, civil society representatives, business leaders and development partners, said a press release issued by the German Embassy here today. 
  
Accompanied by German Ambassador to Bangladesh Lotz, the delegation met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Acting Foreign Secretary Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam and Director General (West Europe and EU) Mosharaf Hossain. 

During the discussions, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening longstanding bilateral relations and enhancing Bangladesh-EU cooperation. 

Bangladesh highlighted its interest in pursuing a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union.

The Rohingya crisis also featured prominently in the talks. Hartmann acknowledged Bangladesh's role in hosting displaced Rohingyas, while the state minister urged Germany and the international community to support their safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation to Myanmar.

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rüdiger Lotz said, “Visits like these open doors for deepened collaboration between Germany and Bangladesh.”

The delegation also met Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, who outlined the government's initiatives to facilitate business, expand technical and vocational education and promote leather, jute and light engineering exports.

Hartmann stressed the importance of economic reforms ahead of Bangladesh's graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category and emphasized the need for export diversification beyond the textile sector.

The German officials also visited DBL Group's textile manufacturing facilities in Kashimpur to observe Bangladesh's garment production process and sustainability initiatives.