While efforts to improve our bilateral relations with influential nations of the West are being made, the fact that countries in the region have also been given particular attention to form stronger ties is certainly a constructive move on our part.
Bangladesh has done a stellar job in recent years of strengthening bilateral relations with a slew of countries that can benefit us considerably, with Brunei being the latest to be added to the list.
Following a successful bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaula on Sunday, the two countries solidified their friendly relations and signed four bilateral instruments for mutual benefits.
Brunei has already been instrumental in providing support to Bangladesh in various sectors, and it is extremely encouraging that agreements on further collaborations have been made, which will undoubtedly aid both countries greatly.
Among the many areas of partnership that were discussed, some of the most significant areas included the import of LNG and other petroleum products, and the export of skilled labour and halal products.
As a country rich in oil reserves, Brunei's support in terms of energy supply will not only be imperative for Bangladesh to brave the ongoing global energy crisis, but will also prove to be an advantage for the country's development in the long run.
Furthermore, Brunei's interest in recruiting more workers from Bangladesh -- on top of the nearly 15,000 Bangladeshis currently employed there -- will potentially result in countless benefits for both economies as well as our expats.
It is also good to see Brunei offer support for the safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees, as well as exploring further trade and investment opportunities. Both Bangladesh and Brunei have a lot of potential for their own development and their contribution to the region, and deepened ties between the two can only be expected to have a more significant impact on their overall advancement.
