Bangladesh and Kenya have agreed to expedite key bilateral agreements and expand cooperation across trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture during the third round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Dhaka on Wednesday.
The consultations, held in a warm and constructive atmosphere, were co-chaired by Dr. Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral) at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Josphat Maikara, Director General (Secretary) for Political and Diplomatic Affairs at Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Both delegations conducted a comprehensive review of the bilateral relationship, assessing progress achieved since the second round of consultations held in Nairobi in July 2024. Discussions spanned trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, ICT, defense, climate adaptation, the blue economy, sports, culture, and people-to-people connectivity.
To solidify the institutional and economic framework, both sides agreed to fast-track pending bilateral instruments, including agreements on the avoidance of double taxation, the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments, contract farming frameworks, and maritime collaboration under the blue economy.
Highlighting its export capabilities, the Bangladeshi delegation showcased the country’s competitive strengths in quality pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments (RMG), light engineering, diversified jute products, and agribusiness.
In response, the Kenyan delegation expressed keen interest in procuring affordable, high-grade medicines from Bangladesh while actively encouraging Bangladeshi pharmaceutical manufacturers to invest directly in Kenya.
Nairobi also proposed expanding its agricultural exports to Bangladesh, offering premium coffee, beans, raw cotton, and processed meat. In a major diplomatic step, the Kenyan delegation announced plans to establish a resident diplomatic mission in Dhaka in the near future.
Beyond bilateral engagements, both nations pledged to coordinate more closely across multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), alongside promoting reciprocal high-level visits.
The fourth round of Foreign Office Consultations is scheduled to take place in Nairobi in October 2028.
Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Dhaka), Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs (Kenya), and Official Diplomatic Briefings.