Bangladesh to Roll Out Red Carpet for Macron

Bangladesh is preparing to warmly welcome French President Emmanuel Macron as he arrives in Dhaka this Sunday evening for a bilateral visit following his attendance at the G20 summit in New Delhi.

Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is wrapping up her G20 visit in India, will receive President Macron at 7:30 pm at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Macron is the first world leader to visit Bangladesh since former French President Mitterrand did so in February 1990.

During his visit, President Macron will participate in a banquet hosted by PM Hasina in his honor on Sunday evening and hold a summit meeting with her at the Prime Minister's Office on Monday morning. The two leaders are expected to witness the signing of several bilateral agreements and conduct a joint press briefing.

Additionally, Macron will pay tribute to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on Monday morning.

The visit is seen as an opportunity to enhance economic relations between the two countries, particularly in the realms of technology and business, aiming to transition from Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh.

France is the fifth-largest country for exports in Bangladesh, and French companies have invested in various sectors, including engineering, energy, aerospace, and water.

The governments of Bangladesh and France are hopeful that this visit will further strengthen their friendly relations.

The French President will be accompanied by several officials, including Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna.

Bangladesh and France plan to discuss ways to boost trade and investment, address climate change, and manage regulated migration during their talks. Climate change is a significant concern for Bangladesh, given its vulnerability to environmental challenges such as regular floods.

President Macron will reaffirm France's commitment to supporting Bangladesh in humanitarian efforts, particularly in the face of climate-related issues and natural disasters.

He will also continue to discuss French strategy in the Indo-Pacific region, building on his meetings with other leaders in the area.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen emphasized the importance of women's empowerment, trade and commerce, climate change, and regulated migration as key topics of discussion during Macron's visit. Bangladesh will also raise the issue of loss and damage, along with the functioning of relevant funds.

President Macron is scheduled to depart from Dhaka on Monday afternoon, and Foreign Minister Dr. Momen will see him off at the airport.