Bangladesh and Kuwait today (October 20) agreed to enhance collaboration in training, disaster response, and cyber security, as the two countries reviewed their existing defence cooperation during the first-ever Political Consultation held in the capital.

The talks were co-chaired by Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral) of Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat, Assistant Foreign Minister of Kuwait for Asian Affairs, said a joint statement issued by the foreign ministry this evening.

According to BSS, the discussion took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reaffirming the historic friendship between the two nations that dates back to Kuwait's early recognition of Bangladesh in 1973 and its support for Bangladesh's OIC membership in 1974.

During the consultation, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation across political, economic, defence, labour, development, and cultural fields. It was decided that the political consultations would be held biennially, alternating between Dhaka and Kuwait City.

The two sides reviewed their defence cooperation, recalling Bangladesh's contribution under Operation Kuwait Punargathan, and agreed to expand collaboration in the specific areas of training, disaster management, and cyber security.

To further boost trade and investment, they stressed cooperation in the energy, infrastructure, ICT, and halal food sectors. Bangladesh invited Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in its Special Economic Zones and Hi-Tech Parks, with both countries agreeing to reactivate the Joint Trade Committee and convene a Bangladesh-Kuwait Business Forum in 2026.

Discussions also covered broadening manpower cooperation and finalizing pending MoUs in line with Kuwait Vision 2035. The meeting expressed satisfaction over the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED)'s ongoing support to Bangladesh, and both sides agreed to explore new areas of cooperation in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and aviation connectivity.

Highlighting the importance of education and people-to-people exchanges, the two sides welcomed plans for an MoU between the Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy and the Kuwait Diplomatic Institute.

Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate in multilateral fora, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Bangladesh expressed appreciation for Kuwait's continued support to the Rohingya humanitarian response, while pledging its backing for Kuwait's candidatures to UNESCO, UNHRC, and the IAEA.

The consultations reflected the shared vision of Bangladesh and Kuwait to build a comprehensive, forward-looking partnership, rooted in mutual respect and guided by a commitment to sustainable development.

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