The third round of Political Consultations between Bangladesh and Denmark took place in Dhaka on Monday (May 12). Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks covered a wide range of issues, including political cooperation, climate change, trade and investment, and development partnerships.
The Consultations were co-chaired by Md Abul Hasan Mridha, Director General (West Europe & EU) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, and Ambassador Thomas Lund-Sorensen, Director General for Asia, Oceania, Latin America, and the Caribbean of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. AKM Shahidul Karim, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Denmark, and Christian Brix Møller, Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh, also joined as part of their respective delegations.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Denmark, founded on mutual respect, shared values, and common aspirations. They reviewed the progress made since the second round of Consultations in May 2023 and discussed ways to deepen future engagement further.
The delegations held wide-ranging and productive discussions covering political cooperation, trade and investment, development cooperation, climate change, green and just transition, maritime affairs, renewable energy, education, technology, people-to-people exchanges, and regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Denmark reiterated its continued support for the Interim Government in its efforts toward a peaceful, democratic, and equitable Bangladesh. The Danish side also commended the government’s progress on climate action and emphasized continued collaboration under the bilateral Green Strategic Partnership Framework.
Bangladesh, in turn, expressed its appreciation for Denmark’s longstanding development cooperation, particularly in the areas of good governance, agriculture, climate change, and the maritime sector. Both sides agreed to explore expanded collaboration in water resource management, the blue economy, and green technology.
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to boosting bilateral trade and investment. They agreed to form a Joint Trade and Investment Committee aimed at unlocking trade potential and accelerating investment. Bangladesh also sought Denmark’s support in securing continued access to the EU’s GSP+ facility beyond 2029.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in education and cultural exchange through academic collaboration, scholarship programs, and cultural initiatives, with the goal of strengthening people-to-people ties and mutual understanding.
Denmark reaffirmed its ongoing humanitarian support for the forcibly displaced Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh. It also reiterated its commitment to a durable solution to the crisis through the dignified, safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
The two delegations also exchanged views on recent regional developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability, and regional integration.
At the conclusion of the Consultations, Denmark announced an additional allocation of \$5 million to support Bangladesh’s democratic transition, following a request from the Government of Bangladesh. The Danish side also expressed interest in developing a new strategic sectoral partnership focused on the circular economy, with particular emphasis on the ready-made garments (RMG) sector.
Both sides agreed to hold the fourth round of Consultations in Copenhagen at a mutually convenient time.