Bangladesh requested Lithuania to import its pharmaceuticals, jute and jute goods, leather and leather products, agro-products, furniture and plastic goods, and invited Lithuanian investment in agro-processing, renewable energy, information technology and waste management as the two countries sought to deepen trade and people-to-people ties.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam made the request at a meeting in Dhaka on Thursday with Lithuanian Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Vidmantas Verbickas, according to a foreign ministry press release.

The two sides discussed cooperation across education, demographic dividends, manpower and employment, human mobility and migration, visa facilitation, women’s empowerment, sports and culture, and deeper engagement in regional and international organisations.

Islam recalled that Bangladesh and Lithuania established diplomatic ties in 1992 and called for wider mutually beneficial relations, saying the government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was pursuing a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy.

The state minister focused on expanding soft diplomacy and strengthening cooperation in information technology, including the sharing of experience and expertise. She also stressed trade diversification and highlighted investment opportunities for Lithuanian investors in agro-processing, renewable energy, IT and cyber security, and waste management.

The talks also covered environmental degradation and climate change, energy security and food security.

Both sides stressed the importance of high-level visits, business delegations, collaboration among business chambers, exchanges of youth and students, cultural troupes and sports teams, tourism cooperation and closer people-to-people contacts to explore untapped potential between Bangladesh and Lithuania for stronger relations.