Written by The Banking Post
Bangladesh and South Korea have agreed to work toward upgrading their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, following the 4th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Seoul on Tuesday.
The Bangladesh delegation was led by Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral–East and West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while South Korea was represented by First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoonjoo.
Both sides underscored the importance of high-level visits at the head of state or government level, saying such exchanges would be key to advancing ties. Discussions covered trade and investment, relocation of Korean manufacturing plants, energy cooperation, security, infrastructure, and human resource development under the Employment Permit System.
They also reviewed progress since the last consultations in Dhaka in 2022 and identified new areas of cooperation, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fisheries, energy transition, agricultural mechanisation, and modernisation of marine ports and shipyards.
South Korea reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s infrastructure development through grants and loans under EDCF, KOICA, and EDPF, and pledged to encourage Korean firms to expand value chains in Bangladesh.
The consultations also touched on regional issues, with Seoul commending Dhaka’s role in hosting Rohingyas and promising continued humanitarian assistance and support for their repatriation.
Both sides agreed to align their development strategies, deepen political trust, and strengthen cooperation in multilateral forums.
