Sheikh Hasina’s visit: A new trajectory in Bangladesh-Sweden relations

The prime ministers of Bangladesh and Sweden have agreed to work together to take the bilateral relations to a “higher level”.

According to a joint statement issued on Thursday after the talks between Sheikh Hasina and Stefan Löfven, the two prime ministers agreed that economic cooperation and trade and investment constitute a “key element” for strengthening bilateral relations.

They noted the ever-growing relations of 45 years and that the visit set “a new trajectory” for the 21st century.

Hasina’s current visit to Stockholm is the first-ever bilateral official visit by any head of the government from either side in the history of the two countries' diplomatic relations that began more than 45 years ago.

She held talks with Lofven and was received by the King Karl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. She also met with several Swedish ministers.

Hasina also visited the Swedish Parliament and held a meeting with Acting Speaker of Swedish Parliament Tobias Billström.

She also attended a business dialogue with the Bangladeshi and Swedish business leaders.

The two prime ministers identified the great potentials in the past and current bilateral development cooperation for building broader bilateral relations for the future, such as in commerce, science, technology, innovation, research, energy, climate change, education, people-to-people contacts and tourism.

Both prime ministers agreed to encourage more bilateral Foreign Direct Investments.

The two prime ministers marked the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations following Sweden’s early recognition of the independent Bangladesh on Feb 4 in 1972.

Hasina also noted Sweden’s long-standing support to Bangladesh’s development in key sectors such as rural employment, rural infrastructure, human rights, primary education, health and gender equality.

They agreed to work together to take the relationship to a higher level and in that regard noted with “satisfaction” the signing of the MoU for Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) last year.

“Both prime ministers committed to cooperate within the framework of Global Deal in order to ensure decent work for workers and to achieve increased productivity and growth,” according to the joint statement.

Both prime ministers welcomed Bangladesh’s first pilot project under the Global Deal, a social dialogue initiative in the ready-made garment sector, administered by ILO and funded by Sweden and Denmark.

The Swedish prime minister welcomed Prime Minister Hasina’s announcement to support the “Ready-Made Garment Tripartite Consultative Council”, as a new commitment in the framework of Global Deal, which also will be supported by the Social Dialogue project.

They agreed that the Council when fully functional can become an effective tool for social dialogue.

The two sides expressed the wish to increase bilateral trade and investment.

Recognising the growth prospect in the free trade, the two Prime Ministers agreed that “simplified rules for access to products, technology and services are important”.

Bangladesh welcomed the ongoing Swedish programs for training and scholarships available to Bangladeshi nationals.

The governments of Sweden and Bangladesh encouraged the academic and research communities of both countries to explore further cooperation and to extend it to new areas.

The two Prime Ministers affirmed their strong commitment to the implementation of the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” including Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs.

Both prime ministers agreed to encourage a transition to a “broader” relationship between Sweden and Bangladesh.

Deepening cooperation on the international stage

They noted that Sweden and Bangladesh are “strong” supporters of multilateral cooperation, international law, including human rights law and a strong United Nations system including the UN Security Council.

The two governments intend to deepen collaboration in United Nations affairs such as in the areas of peacekeeping, peace-building, women’s active participation in peace processes, peace and security and UN reform.

Both Prime Ministers recognised the important role of the United Nations in peacekeeping operations and peace-building activities and its contribution to international peace and security.

“Both prime ministers condemned in strongest terms the recent terrorist acts in both countries and expressed sympathy for the victims,” according to the joint statement.

“Both governments are committed to fight terrorism and prevent radicalization, in compliance with their international obligations under the relevant international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and preserving our open and democratic societies”.

They also welcomed the close partnership that has emerged between Sweden and Bangladesh in the area of migration and development.

Both governments reiterated their strong commitments towards a positive and constructive outcome of the ongoing discussions on the Global Compact on Migration aiming at facilitating safe, orderly and regular migration.

They also expressed their hope that the ongoing negotiations of “Standard Operating Procedures on the return of irregular migrants” between Bangladesh and the European Union be concluded soon.

They also reiterated their commitments to continue efforts with all friends and partners around the globe to mobilise domestic and international resources to address the grave threats posed by climate change.