Bangladesh and Kenya have agreed to expedite pending agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering double taxation, investment promotion and protection, the blue economy, contract farming and other areas of mutual interest to strengthen bilateral ties.
The agreement came during the third round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between the two countries, held in Dhaka on Tuesday, where officials reviewed bilateral relations and progress made since their previous meeting in Nairobi in July 2024.
The Bangladesh delegation was led by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary (Bilateral) Nazrul Islam, while the Kenyan delegation was headed by Ambassador Josphat Maikara, Director General (Secretary) of Political and Diplomatic Affairs at Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, reports UNB.
The consultations, held in a constructive atmosphere, covered trade, investment, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT), defence, climate change, the blue economy, culture, sports and people-to-people contacts.
Bangladesh highlighted its strengths in pharmaceuticals, readymade garments, light engineering products, jute and jute goods, and agriculture.
Kenya expressed interest in procuring more quality and affordable medicines and encouraged Bangladeshi pharmaceutical companies to expand their investments in the country.
The Kenyan delegation also offered to export high-quality coffee, beans, cotton and processed meat to Bangladesh.
During the consultations, Kenya informed Bangladesh of its plans to establish a resident diplomatic mission in Dhaka soon.
Both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation at the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), while encouraging high-level visits.
The fourth round of consultations is expected to take place in Nairobi in October 2028.
