Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been invited by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to attend the third edition of the Global Gateway Forum and deliver a keynote address, according to diplomatic sources.
The invitation was formally handed over on Monday afternoon when European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller met Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A senior official said the third edition of the Forum will be held on 8–9 June next year in Brussels, Belgium.
Building on the success of the 2023 and 2025 editions, the Global Gateway Forum will bring together heads of state and government, ministers, representatives of international financial institutions, multilateral organisations, private sector leaders and civil society stakeholders to promote sustainable and trusted global partnerships.
Officials said the prime minister’s visit is also expected to provide an opportunity for a bilateral meeting between the two leaders.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the prime minister’s participation could open avenues for increased investment in sustainable infrastructure, digitalisation, energy, transport, health and education under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative.
The Ambassador also handed over a letter from EU Vice President Kaja Kallas to the Foreign Minister, congratulating him on his election as President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
The meeting reviewed the full spectrum of Bangladesh–EU relations and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in trade, investment, technology, as well as regional and multilateral issues.
Both sides also exchanged views on the proposed Bangladesh–EU Business Forum 2027, upcoming high-level engagements, and the prospects of a future Free Trade Agreement between Bangladesh and the EU.
They further discussed global and regional developments, including issues related to the United Nations and the Rohingya crisis.
Officials said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership between Bangladesh and the European Union for mutual benefit.
