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Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir at the Ministry today and exchanged views on ways to further strengthen Bangladesh-Sweden relations.
The ambassador congratulated the state minister on his assumption of office.
The state minister described Sweden as a trusted and longstanding partner of Bangladesh and appreciated its support for the country’s socio-economic development, democratic transition and institutional strengthening.
The discussions covered development assistance, trade and investment, migration governance and climate change, among other issues.
The two sides noted the potential for expanding economic engagement. Kabir encouraged greater Swedish investment in renewable energy, green technology, pharmaceuticals, engineering and telecommunications.
They also exchanged views on Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category and future trade arrangements with the European Union.
The state minister appreciated Sweden’s co-hosting with Bangladesh of the high-level event on “Midwifery into Primary Health Care” on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly last month.
On migration, both sides discussed promoting safe, orderly and regular migration, including enhanced cooperation in skilled migration and vocational training.
Kabir sought Sweden’s continued support for a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis, including the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar. He also urged Sweden to support efforts to maintain international attention on the crisis.
Ambassador Weeks reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expressed readiness to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
He appreciated Bangladesh’s efforts towards democratic reforms and its continued humanitarian support for the Rohingyas. He also reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to working closely with Bangladesh in relevant multilateral fora towards the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues and expressed their commitment to continued cooperation in relevant international fora.
The meeting concluded in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides expressing confidence that continued engagement would further strengthen Bangladesh-Sweden relations.