Bangladesh has reiterated its commitment to تعزيز relations with African nations, particularly Senegal, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The message was conveyed by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, during a bilateral meeting with Cheikh Niang, Senegal’s Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad. The meeting took place on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa.


Minister Niang welcomed Bangladesh’s participation in the forum and thanked the State Minister for attending despite the long journey.


During the meeting, Shama Obaed Islam recalled the historic visit of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to Senegal in March 1981, accompanied by Begum Khaleda Zia, marking the first visit by a Bangladeshi head of state to the country. She also highlighted Bangladesh’s recent general elections, describing them as free and fair, and noted that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party received a clear public mandate.


Both sides agreed to hold Foreign Office Consultations at the earliest opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations through enhanced political dialogue and expanded cooperation. The State Minister emphasized the need to establish a Joint Trade Commission and increase exchanges of business delegations to boost trade and investment.


She also outlined Bangladesh’s strengths in key sectors, including ready-made garments, textiles, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, leather, jute and ICT, and proposed expanding cooperation in agriculture and agro-processing.


Minister Niang praised Bangladesh’s contributions to peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts in Africa and reaffirmed Senegal’s willingness to work closely with Bangladesh in multilateral platforms.
The two leaders also discussed opening resident diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals. The State Minister invited her Senegalese counterpart to visit Bangladesh, which he accepted.


Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Morocco and Ambassador-designate to Senegal, Sadia Faizunnesa, accompanied the State Minister during the meeting.


Later in the day, the State Minister gave interviews to leading Senegalese media outlets, including Le Soleil and national television, highlighting the new government’s initiatives to promote peace, development and stability, with a focus on women’s welfare.