Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed interest in continuing collaboration with Bangladesh and exploring new avenues for partnership, including a potential Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. In a recent letter to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s readiness to support a peaceful, inclusive reform process that respects democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law, ultimately leading to transparent, inclusive, and credible elections.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, von der Leyen stated, “I warmly welcome your commitment to sustainable development, the green transition, the fight against corruption, and the advancement of digitalization of financial systems.” She highlighted the EU’s ongoing engagement with Bangladesh on these issues and expressed eagerness to continue collaboration and explore new partnership opportunities, including through a possible Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
The European Commission President noted the potential for EU investments under the Global Gateway initiative, focusing on secure and reliable networks and connectivity in sectors such as railways, water resources, climate adaptation, health, digital, and energy. She mentioned ongoing efforts with the Bangladeshi administration to enhance the capacity of key institutions, aiming to maximize impact through targeted technical assistance that supports policy development and effective governance.
Von der Leyen also expressed her appreciation for their meeting during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Bangladesh.