Play store
DHAKA: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on hydrocarbon cooperation between Bangladesh and Algeria has opened new avenues for energy imports, infrastructure development and technical collaboration.
He made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf in Algiers, according to a Foreign Ministry press release issued on Thursday.
Welcoming the signing of the MoU, Humaiun said the agreement created opportunities for Bangladesh to import liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other petroleum products from Algeria under a government-to-government arrangement.
The agreement also provides scope for joint investment in refineries and LNG infrastructure, as well as cooperation in the exploration of coal and gas fields in Bangladesh.
Attaf said the Algerian president had issued immediate directives to prioritise the signing of the MoU in response to Bangladesh’s energy requirements.
The Algerian Petroleum Institute has also expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh’s energy sector through training and knowledge-sharing programmes for local engineers and technicians. The initiative is expected to help strengthen the country’s technical expertise and capacity in the sector.
The two ministers discussed a broad range of bilateral, regional and multilateral issues, with particular emphasis on expanding cooperation in energy, fertilisers, agriculture, textiles, trade, education and people-to-people exchanges.
They also explored ways to increase bilateral trade and investment, particularly in the energy sector, for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
On fertiliser cooperation, Attaf expressed Algeria’s willingness to respond to Bangladesh’s import needs, opening another potential avenue for collaboration between the two countries.
The Algerian foreign minister also sought Bangladesh’s expertise in revitalising Algeria’s textile industry. He expressed interest in cooperation in pharmaceuticals, leather and textiles, sectors in which Bangladesh has developed industrial experience.
Both sides underscored the importance of holding regular Foreign Office Consultations to maintain momentum in bilateral relations. The next round of consultations is expected to take place in Dhaka soon.
The ministers also stressed the need for exchanges of high-level visits to deepen engagement and consolidate ties between Bangladesh and Algeria.
The proposed cooperation in energy imports, infrastructure and technical training could help broaden Bangladesh’s sources of energy supply while creating opportunities for stronger economic and industrial partnerships with Algeria.