FS Seeks Faster German Visas to Boost Academic Exchange

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam has emphasised the need for expedited visa processing to facilitate greater academic exchange between Bangladesh and Germany, recognising Germany's growing appeal as a destination for Bangladeshi students.

He also stressed the importance of expanding legal migration pathways for skilled Bangladeshi professionals under the Bangladesh-EU Talent Partnership framework.

The remarks came during a farewell meeting with German Ambassador Achim Tröster at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the envoy’s diplomatic tenure in Dhaka draws to a close.

Congratulating the ambassador on a successful term, the foreign secretary praised his efforts in deepening bilateral ties and expressed confidence that the momentum built during his tenure would be carried forward by his successor.

He acknowledged Germany’s status as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner in Europe and appreciated its continued development support in areas such as rural development, healthcare, education, energy efficiency, and private sector growth.

The meeting also highlighted key milestones achieved during Ambassador Tröster’s tenure, including the first-ever Strategic Dialogue in Berlin in August 2021, progress in the Climate and Development Partnership, and increased trade and cultural engagement.

Siam conveyed Bangladesh’s deep appreciation for Germany’s consistent humanitarian support to the forcibly displaced Rohingya population and reiterated that their voluntary, safe return to Myanmar remains the only sustainable solution.

He further lauded Germany’s global leadership in climate initiatives such as the Global Shield and the Climate Club, expressing hope that Bangladesh would benefit from the financial mechanisms linked to these programmes to strengthen its climate resilience.