PM invited to deliver keynote address at Global Gateway Forum

Bangla Press Desk: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to participate in the third edition of the Global Gateway Forum in June, 2027 and to deliver a keynote address at the Forum.

Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller met Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday afternoon and handed over the invitation.

The third edition of the Forum will take place on June 8-9 next year in Brussels, Belgium, a senior official told UNB.

Building on the success of the 2023 and 2025 editions, the Forum will bring together Heads of State and Government, ministers, financial institutions, international organisations, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives to advance sustainable and trusted partnerships worldwide.

The visit will also provide an opportunity to hold a bilateral meeting between the two leaders, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The Prime Minister’s participation in the Forum is expected to create opportunities for further investment in sustainable infrastructure, digitalisation, energy, transport, health, and education under the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative.

The Ambassador also handed over a letter from EU Vice President Kaja Kallas to the Foreign Minister, congratulating him on his election as President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

During the meeting, they reviewed the broad spectrum of Bangladesh-EU relations and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in business, trade and investment, technology, as well as regional and multilateral affairs.

The two sides also discussed the proposed Bangladesh-EU Business Forum 2027, upcoming high-level engagements, the prospects of a Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and other areas of mutual interest.

They exchanged views on regional and global developments, as well as issues related to the United Nations and the Rohingya crisis.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and the European Union for mutual benefit.

The Global Gateway Forum serves as a high-level meeting point for global leaders and stakeholders committed to strengthening international partnerships and advancing the objectives of the Global Gateway Strategy.

Through dialogue, collaboration, and investment-focused discussions, the Forum will help shape solutions that promote sustainable connectivity, economic resilience, and inclusive growth across partner countries.