Bangladesh and Denmark Deepen Ties at 3rd Political Consultations in Dhaka

The 3rd round of Political Consultations between the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Denmark was held on 12 May 2025 in Dhaka.

The Consultations were co-chaired by Mr. Md. Abul Hasan Mridha, Director General (West Europe & EU) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, and Ambassador Thomas Lund-Sorensen, Director General for Asia, Oceania, Latin America, and the Caribbean of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Mr. A.K.M. Shahidul Karim, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Denmark, and Mr. Christian Brix Møller, Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh, also participated as part of their respective delegations.

During the Consultations, both sides reaffirmed the enduring and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Denmark, grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and common aspirations. They reviewed progress made since the second round of Consultations in May 2023 and explored new avenues for deeper future engagement.

The two delegations held productive and wide-ranging discussions on political cooperation, trade and investment, development cooperation, climate change, green and just transition, maritime affairs, renewable energy, education, technology, people-to-people contacts, and regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Denmark reiterated its continued commitment to supporting the Interim Government in its transition towards a peaceful, democratic, and equitable Bangladesh. The Danish side also commended the Interim Government’s role in advancing the climate action agenda and emphasised continued cooperation under the terms of the bilateral Green Strategic Partnership Framework.

Bangladesh expressed its appreciation for Denmark's longstanding development cooperation, particularly in the areas of good governance, agriculture, climate change, and the maritime sector. Both sides agreed to explore opportunities for expanded collaboration in areas such as water resource management, the blue economy, and green technology.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment, including through initiatives aimed at facilitating market access and promoting sustainable economic growth. They agreed to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee to unlock trade potential and accelerate investments. Bangladesh also sought Denmark’s support for its bid to benefit from the EU’s GSP+ facility beyond 2029.

Both sides agreed to continue cooperation in education and cultural exchange, including academic collaboration, scholarships, and cultural programmes, to foster mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people ties.

Denmark reaffirmed its continued humanitarian support for the forcibly displaced Rohingyas and the host communities in Bangladesh. The Danish side also reiterated its commitment to finding a durable solution to the crisis, including through the dignified, safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.

The two parties exchanged views on recent developments in their respective regions and reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability, and regional integration.

After the Consultations, Denmark announced an additional allocation of 5 million USD to support Bangladesh's democratic transition in response to a request from the Government of Bangladesh. The Danish side also expressed its intention to develop a new strategic sectoral cooperation in the area of circular economy, with a particular focus on the ready-made garments (RMG) sector.

Both sides agreed to hold the fourth round of Consultations in Copenhagen at a mutually convenient time.