With Wednesday’s initiative, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said, both sides hoped that the bilateral relations would reach “new heights”.
Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque led Bangladesh side while Undersecretary of the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs Laura Q Del Rosario headed the Filipino side.
During the meeting, both sides had an “intensive and open exchange of views on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues”.
They agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, blue economy, fisheries and aquaculture and defense.
Bangladesh highlighted the “comparative advantage” of certain Bangladeshi products like pharmaceuticals, readymade garments, leather goods and potato.
The Philippines officials asked for “increased” access of the Filipinos to Bangladesh’s service sector.
They also showed interest in making investments in the fisheries sector of Bangladesh following the delimitation of maritime boundaries with India and Myanmar.
The two sides discussed ways to increase cooperation in the fields of sports and culture as well.
The Philippines side appreciated Bangladesh’s role in peacekeeping and expressed interest “to learn more” in this regard.
They agreed to explore the possibilities of holding joint painting exhibition in the Philippines soon.