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Dhaka: Migration management emerged as a key area of focus as Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller, along with resident EU Member State ambassadors, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman in Dhaka on Monday, February 23.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the multifaceted partnership between Bangladesh and the European Union. Migration management, skill development, and employment generation featured prominently in the discussions, reflecting the shared interest in ensuring safe, orderly, and regular migration pathways, read a press release from the foreign ministry.
The two sides discussed the importance of strengthening cooperation to address irregular migration, enhance legal mobility opportunities, and protect the rights and welfare of migrant workers. Emphasis was placed on aligning skills development initiatives with European labor market demands, aiming to create structured employment avenues for Bangladeshi workers in EU member states.
Both parties noted that effective migration governance can contribute significantly to economic growth, remittance flows, and people-to-people connectivity. They also highlighted the need for continued dialogue on labor standards, fair recruitment practices, and capacity building to ensure sustainable migration outcomes.
Beyond migration, the discussions covered trade and economic cooperation, including the possibility of launching negotiations for a comprehensive Bangladesh–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Regional and global developments, humanitarian issues, water resource management, climate change, and the maritime economy were also addressed.
The EU ambassadors congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on the recent parliamentary election victory and extended their best wishes to the foreign minister on his new assignment. They reaffirmed their intention to work closely with the current government to further strengthen the longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership.
Earlier in the day, the EU delegation also met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, who reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing cooperation with the EU and its member states in areas of shared priority, including migration governance and workforce mobility.
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