Bangladesh, Australia Review Joint Efforts in Offshore Gas Exploration

Bangladesh and Australia have reviewed the possibility of cooperation in offshore gas exploration and renewable energy as well as the scope of diversifying trade and economic relations in line with the signing of the Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) last year, reports UNB.

During the bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of "Munich Security Conference 2022" in Germany, the two foreign ministers also exchanged greetings on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Australia.

They also exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of growing interest in the region.

Momen said Bangladesh and Australia have the scope to further enhance and diversify their trade and economic cooperation, especially with the signing of the Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) last year.

He urged his Australian counterpart to jointly explore ways to increase the volume and content of bilateral trade.

Also, the two ministers discussed the possibility of organising a visit by a business delegation, focusing on pharmaceutical exports from Bangladesh.

The Australian foreign minister expressed interest in exporting wool for Bangladesh's apparel industry.

Momen requested Australia to provide skills training for increased jobs creation in the renewable energy sector, reiterating the call on introducing direct flights between the two countries, particularly for the convenience of Bangladesh expatriates living in Australia.

The foreign minister also urged Australia to continue to work on finding durable solutions to the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Meanwhile, Marise assured her country's abiding commitment to this end.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Germany Md Mosharraf Hossain Bhuyian was present at the meeting.

The three-day Munich Security Conference 2022 ended Sunday.