Dhaka, EU Initial PCA, Usher in New Phase in Ties

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman shaking his hand with H.E. Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of Belgium.

Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) have initialled a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in Brussels, marking a new phase in bilateral relations and signalling expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman visited Brussels, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, where the agreement was initialled in the presence of Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

The PCA is seen as a forward-looking framework aimed at strengthening collaboration in political, economic, development and security areas. Both sides described it as a significant step towards elevating the partnership to a more structured and strategic level.

During a meeting at the European External Action Service headquarters, Bangladesh and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to deepening engagement on regional and global issues.

The Bangladesh side highlighted recent democratic developments and ongoing reform initiatives, while expressing appreciation for the EU’s support, including its election observation mission.

Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, migration and mobility, regional collaboration and humanitarian affairs. Bangladesh emphasised the importance of predictable market access and reiterated its interest in advancing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA).

The Rohingya crisis also featured prominently in the talks, with Bangladesh seeking continued EU support for humanitarian operations and a sustainable resolution.

On the sidelines of the visit, the foreign minister held a bilateral meeting with Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Belgium. The two sides reviewed bilateral ties and explored opportunities in trade, investment, connectivity, innovation and multilateral cooperation.

They agreed to hold the third round of Bangladesh-Belgium consultations in Brussels later this year.

Bangladesh also encouraged greater participation of Belgian businesses in sectors such as logistics, port management, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, technology and water management.

In a separate meeting, the foreign minister met Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, to discuss enhanced collaboration in science, technology and innovation, including potential engagement under the Horizon Europe programme.

Senior officials, including the foreign ministry secretary and Bangladesh’s ambassadors to key European missions, accompanied the minister during the visit.