Bangladesh, Malta commit to strengthen bilateral cooperation

Bangladesh and Malta have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening mutual partnership and cooperation, representatives of both countries said.

The commitment was reiterated during a courtesy meeting between Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed Islam and Maltese High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ruben Gauci at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, April 1.

During the meeting, High Commissioner Gauci congratulated Shama Obaed Islam on her appointment as state minister and expressed hope that bilateral relations would be further strengthened under the new government.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing mutually beneficial partnership. Discussions focused on ways to enhance cooperation in trade, education, gender equality and migration sectors. The state minister commended Malta for expanding visa services for Bangladeshi students and workers.

The meeting also discussed strengthening bilateral and multilateral political cooperation. The state minister sought Malta's support for Bangladesh's candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026-27 term.

Both sides emphasised the need for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union to increase bilateral trade and exchanged views on strengthening peace, stability and cooperation on regional and international issues.