Bangladesh has underscored prospects for greater Filipino investment in emerging sectors and reiterated its aspiration to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN during the 3rd Bangladesh-Philippines Foreign Policy Consultations (FPC) held in Manila on Monday.
The consultations, held after a six-year gap, were co-chaired by Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East & West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, and Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Undersecretary for Policy of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, said a foreign ministry's press release here today.
Both sides reviewed progress since the last FPC and discussed avenues for cooperation in trade and investment, blue economy, education, cyber security, skills development, culture and defence training exchanges.
They also shared views on labor mobility and migration governance.
Both sides also discussed matters of mutual interest in regional and multilateral affairs, including the situation of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs).
The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on maritime cooperation regarding the Recognition of Certificates under the STCW Convention, 1978 (as amended).
Dr. Nazrul Islam signed on behalf of Bangladesh, while Sonia B. Malaluan, Administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), signed on behalf of the Philippines.
Following the consultations, Dr. Islam paid courtesy calls on Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Secretary for Migrant Workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac.
Both sides expressed optimism that the dialogue outcomes would further advance Bangladesh-Philippines relations in the coming years.
