Bangladesh and Nepal Foreign Office Consultations Agree to Promote Cooperation in Various Sectors
17 April 2024
The third round of Foreign Office Consultations between the governments of Bangladesh and Nepal held on 17 April 2024,in Kathmandu, Nepal, reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the countries’ excellent state of affairs. The delegations were led by Mr. Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh, and Ms. Sewa Lamsal, Foreign Secretary of the Government of Nepal.
The meeting agreed to promote cooperation in various sectors, including trade, commerce, transit, connectivity, power, energy, and tourism. Furthermore, they emphasized the importance of operationalizing the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicle Agreement (BBIN MVA) to boost trade, connectivity, and people-to-people contacts.
Ms. Lamsal stressed the need to explore untapped potential proposing collaborative partnerships, including in the private sector. She urged Bangladesh to consider investment opportunities in Nepal, particularly in the hydropower sector, and requested the elimination of Other Duties and Charges on Nepal's exports to Bangladesh. Mr. Momen emphasized the need for a swift conclusion of a tripartite power agreement between Bangladesh, India, and Nepal to facilitate power imports from Nepal. Both sides also discussed regional issues, including the revitalization of SAARC and strengthening of BIMSTEC to promote regional cooperation.
A signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Institute of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and the Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh followed the meeting.
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Nepal and Bangladesh hold third round of foreign office consultations meeting in Kathmandu