Bangladesh requested Indonesia to explore the possibility of launching direct flights to facilitate greater mobility and exchanges, also to consider easing visa procedures for Bangladeshi, according to a foreign ministry’s press release.  

The second round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Indonesia was held in Jakarta today in a cordial and forward-looking atmosphere, the press release added.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam, while the Indonesian side was headed by Director General of Asia, Pacific and African Affairs at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Santo Darmosumarto.

It was mentioned that Bangladesh and Indonesia reaffirmed their strong commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, also agreed to deepen engagement across multiple sectors.

Both sides held wide-ranging discussions covering trade and investment, energy, agriculture, education, health, digital economy, security, connectivity, tourism, fisheries, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Bangladesh invited enhanced Indonesian investment in high-potential sectors including pharmaceuticals, hospitality, tourism, ICT, renewable energy, leather and footwear.

The two countries also agreed to strengthen trade facilitation measures and expedite meetings of the Trade Negotiating Committee and the Joint Working Group on Power and Energy.

They underscored the importance of increased private sector engagement and early finalisation of pending legal instruments to boost economic cooperation.

The two sides also identified significant opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and fisheries, alongside broader collaboration in health and food security.

Bangladesh sought Indonesia’s continued support for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of forcibly displaced Rohingyas, ensuring their rights and sustainable livelihoods. Dhaka also requested Jakarta’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.

On the sidelines, Foreign Secretary Siam met Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Anis Matta and extended an invitation for high-level visits between the two countries.

Officials from both sides, including senior diplomats and representatives from relevant ministries, attended the consultations.