Kuwait, Bangladesh hold first-ever consultations to strengthen bilateral ties

DHAKA: Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Johar Hayat on Sunday described the ongoing political consultations between the foreign ministries of Kuwait and Bangladesh as the first of their kind, reflecting the depth and strength of bilateral relations. Speaking to KUNA after holding talks with Bangladeshi Undersecretary for Political Affairs Dr. Mohammad Nazrul Islam and senior officials at the Middle East Department in Dhaka, Ambassador Hayat said the round was held in a “positive atmosphere” and forms part of the implementation of existing bilateral cooperation agreements between the two countries’ foreign ministries.

He noted that the discussions covered a wide range of sectors, including political, military, security, economic, and cultural cooperation, as well as collaboration in international forums, trade, investment, and skilled labor. Ambassador Hayat added that the consultations also addressed higher education, scientific research, civil aviation, oil, renewable energy, industry, food security, health, and medical services.

Assistant Secretary of State for Asian Affairs with Bangladesh’s Undersecretary for Political Affairs and senior Bangladeshi officials in the Middle East Department.

The talks further explored ways to strengthen ties between government sectors in both countries and examined issues of common interest. Ambassador Hayat emphasized that the consultations align with directives from the top political leadership to maintain frequent high-level visits and preserve the historical relations connecting Kuwait and Bangladesh. Both sides agreed to intensify technical, legal, and consultative coordination to ensure the implementation of signed agreements and memoranda of understanding, advance ongoing negotiations, and hold regular political consultations to monitor progress. The consultations concluded with a mutual commitment to further develop bilateral relations.

Prior to the consultations, Ambassador Hayat met with Muhammad Hossain, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, delivering a written message from Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya on enhancing cooperation across various sectors. The Kuwaiti delegation included Ambassador Ali Hamada, First Secretary Ahmed Al-Duwailah from the Kuwaiti Embassy in Bangladesh, and Diplomatic Attachés Sharifah Bokhdoor and Altaf Danboh from the Asian Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside senior Bangladeshi diplomats and officials. — KUNA