Bangla Press Desk: The Netherlands has expressed interest in providing potential technical assistance for the Teesta project. This interest was conveyed on Tuesday afternoon (October 13) at the Secretariat during a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by a delegation led by the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Sigrid Kaag.
Bangladesh welcomed the Dutch government's interest in conducting a feasibility study for the Teesta project and in providing knowledge and technical assistance regarding it.
Shahadat Swadhin, Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, disclosed this information.
He stated that the meeting covered various issues of mutual interest, including the expansion of trade and investment between Bangladesh and the Netherlands, water resource management, potential technical assistance for the Teesta project, a free trade agreement, renewable energy, agriculture, and the Rohingya crisis.
Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Swadhin further mentioned that the Dutch Minister stated that now is the opportune moment to further strengthen relations between the two countries by expanding investment and cooperation. The two nations can work together in crucial areas such as water resource management, transboundary river management, democracy, and economic development.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina noted that both Bangladesh and the Netherlands are deltaic nations. Consequently, there are vast opportunities to expand cooperation by addressing shared challenges and exchanging experiences.
The Prime Minister expressed particular interest in the Netherlands' experience regarding land reclamation.
Dutch Minister Sigrid Kaag emphasized the importance of exchanging knowledge and experience and enhancing mutual cooperation between the two countries in the fields of water resource management, land reclamation, *char* (river island) development, and adaptive river management.
The meeting also addressed free trade and Bangladesh's trade relations with the European Union (EU). The Dutch Minister expressed interest in free trade.
Discussions were held regarding the possibility of concluding a free trade agreement between Bangladesh and the EU, with Bangladesh seeking Dutch cooperation in this regard.
During the meeting, the Dutch Minister inquired about the initiatives taken by the government to address Bangladesh's ongoing energy crisis. During the meeting, he praised Bangladesh's plans regarding renewable energy.
The Rohingya crisis was also discussed. Bangladesh stated that the root cause of the crisis lies in Myanmar, and a sustainable solution must also be found there. Bangladesh reiterated its position on ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas.
Emphasis was placed on intensifying diplomatic efforts at both bilateral and multilateral levels to resolve this crisis.
Discussions were also held on expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector. The Netherlands expressed interest in providing assistance to Bangladesh. The potential for enhancing mutual cooperation in this sector by leveraging the country's experience and technical expertise was also explored.
The Deputy Press Secretary stated that the meeting also covered the consolidation of democracy and the protection of human rights in Bangladesh. The Prime Minister noted that the BNP, as a political party, had been a victim of human rights violations in the past. Drawing on this experience, her government is committed to protecting and strengthening human rights within the country.
Towards the end of the meeting, Sjoerd Sjoerdsma invited Tarique Rahman to visit the Netherlands.
Relevant officials attended the meeting, including Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, the Prime Minister's Advisor on Education and Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Mahdi Amin, and the Netherlands' Ambassador to Bangladesh, Joris van Bommel.
BP/TD
