Bangladesh and Algeria have set in motion a government-to-government (G2G) initiative for long-term imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fertiliser.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed the plan after a meeting with Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdelouahab Saidani at his ministry office on Monday.
He said Bangladesh will import LNG and fertiliser from Algeria under the G2G framework.
Salahuddin also urged Algeria to widen the trade basket in Dhaka's favour, saying Algiers could increase imports of Bangladeshi garments and pharmaceutical products.
Salahuddin further called on Algeria to hire skilled workers from Bangladesh, including doctors and nurses.
Beyond trade and energy, the two sides discussed maintaining peace and order, security cooperation, preventing and combating human trafficking, migration management, and expanding economic and commercial ties.
They laid particular emphasis on specialised training to improve the efficiency and professionalism of security forces, joint workshops, and the exchange of legislative support.
Recalling that Algeria was the first Arab country to recognise Bangladesh after its independence in 1971, the ambassador voiced his country's strong interest in further strengthening the historic and friendly relationship.
Referring to the invitation extended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the Algerian President to visit Dhaka, Salahuddin said Bangladesh is pleased that the invitation has been accepted.
He stressed fixing a mutually convenient diplomatic date for the visit.
At the end of the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening and strengthening cooperation in security, trade and bilateral diplomatic relations.
