Dhaka seeks stronger ties with Africa under Tarique Rahman govt

Bangladesh’s new government has renewed its commitment to strengthening ties with African nations, including Senegal, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said.

She made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with Cheikh Niang, minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad of Senegal, on the sidelines of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa held in Dakar yesterday.

Shama Obaed recalled the historic visit of President Ziaur Rahman to Senegal in March 1981, accompanied by Khaleda Zia, noting that it marked the first visit by a Bangladeshi head of state to the country.

She also informed Minister Niang about the recent general elections in Bangladesh, highlighting BNP’s mandate.

Both ministers agreed to hold foreign office consultations at the earliest opportunity to further consolidate bilateral relations through enhanced political dialogue and expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.

Shama Obaed stressed the importance of establishing a joint trade commission and exchanging business delegations to boost bilateral trade and investment.

She highlighted Bangladesh’s strengths in ready-made garments, textiles, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, leather, raw jute and ICT, and proposed expanding cooperation in agriculture and agro-processing.

Minister Niang expressed Senegal’s appreciation for Bangladesh’s contributions to peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts in Africa and reaffirmed his country’s readiness to work closely with Bangladesh in multilateral forums.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of opening resident diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals.

Shama Obaed invited the Senegalese foreign minister to visit Bangladesh, which he accepted, expressing his intention to do so at a mutually convenient time.

Sadia Faizunnesa, Bangladesh’s ambassador to Morocco and ambassador-designate to Senegal, accompanied the state minister.

Later in the day, the state minister gave interviews to local media outlets, including Le Soleil and Senegalese National Television, highlighting the BNP-led government’s initiatives to promote peace, development and stability, with a focus on women’s well-being.