Dhaka: Bangladesh has placed special importance on its relations with Italy, particularly in areas such as safe migration and economic cooperation, Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on April 21.

Speaking during a meeting with Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at the Secretariat in Dhaka, the minister described Italy as one of Bangladesh’s most significant development partners within the European Union. He noted that Bangladeshi expatriates in Italy continue to play a vital role in the country’s economy through remittance inflows.

Highlighting a key policy development, the Italian envoy said a new migration policy set to be implemented from June will help ensure more regular and structured migration pathways. “The upcoming policy will strengthen safe migration while making the repatriation process of irregular migrants faster and more streamlined,” he stated.

The ambassador emphasized that migration remains a top priority for the current Italian government, which is committed to promoting legal migration channels while curbing irregular flows.

He also referred to ongoing bilateral efforts, noting that a Joint Working Group between Bangladesh and Italy—focused on safe migration, labor mobility, and skilled workforce deployment—held its last meeting in Bangladesh in July last year. The next round is expected to take place in Italy.

During the meeting, Ambassador Alessandro handed over a congratulatory message from Italy’s Interior Minister and extended an invitation for an official visit to Italy. The Bangladeshi side expressed interest in undertaking the visit at a mutually convenient time this year.

The discussion also covered a wide range of issues, including law enforcement cooperation, safe migration, economic collaboration, and expanding bilateral trade ties.

Senior officials from the Home Ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives from the Italian Embassy were also present at the meeting.