Bangladesh, Italy reaffirm commitment to deepen cooperation

Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the latter’s office on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the ambassador congratulated the state minister on assuming office and expressed Italy’s confidence in further advancing the longstanding and friendly relations between the two countries.

Both sides noted the steady growth of Bangladesh-Italy ties, underpinned by strong people-to-people connections. They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in priority areas such as trade and investment, leather and ceramic industries, manufacturing, skills development, women’s empowerment, education, sports and cultural exchanges, private sector engagement and defence cooperation.

The state minister highlighted Italy’s importance as a partner within the European Union and sought its support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The ambassador, in turn, briefed her on Italy’s position regarding reforms of the UN Security Council.

Migration and mobility issues also featured prominently in the discussions. The state minister reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to working closely with Italy and other European partners to ensure effective migration governance and stressed the need to expand regular migration pathways for mutual benefit.

The Italian envoy praised Bangladesh’s efforts to curb irregular migration and acknowledged the positive contributions of the Bangladeshi community in Italy. Both sides emphasised the importance of promoting safe, orderly and regular migration through enhanced cooperation on legal pathways, skills partnerships and labour mobility aligned with market demands.