The European Union’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, emphasised that the EU’s collaboration with Bangladesh represents a deliberate strategic alignment centred on human rights and expanding economic prospects, adding that Bangladesh’s stability contributes directly to the EU, and its prosperity is intertwined with the EU as well.
“Your stability contributes directly to ours, and your prosperity is intertwined with our own,” he said.
Ambassador Miller noted that the EU is assisting Bangladesh in its preparations for “free and fair” elections and is backing reform efforts that reflect the aspirations of both citizens and the business community, UNB reports.
“Together, our shared objective is to foster prosperity, advance sustainable development, attract investment, and address climate change,” he stated during a dialogue held at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday.
The event, “EU-Bangladesh Relations: Looking Ahead,” was organised by the Association of Former Ambassadors (AOFA), with AOFA President Abdullah Al Hasan chairing the meeting.
Reflecting on his travels throughout the country, Miller expressed his commitment to understanding the priorities of communities beyond the capital and interacting with those impacted by EU-supported initiatives run by local organisations.
“Listening to people at the grassroots is essential to grasp the realities on the ground,” he remarked.
The Ambassador observed that Bangladesh is currently navigating a deeply consequential period in its political evolution.
He mentioned that the EU is actively considering ways to aid Bangladesh’s shift toward democratic elections and to provide prompt support in response to new difficulties or appeals for help.
Miller underscored that this political shift presents a critical chance to enhance the protection of basic freedoms, renew democratic practices, and enable a more active civil society.
He also highlighted the necessity of ensuring fair conditions for all economic participants.
According to Miller, there is notable alignment between the EU’s reform priorities and the ongoing transformation in Bangladesh.
“You have our assurance that we will continue to dedicate ourselves to peace, collaboration, and mutual partnership,” he affirmed.
Ambassador Miller reiterated the EU’s dedication to cooperating with Bangladesh in advancing stability and shared economic well-being.
On economic relations, the ambassador reiterated the EU’s support for equitable trade and stressed the importance of a successful transition out of least-developed country status.
In terms of investment, he described the EU as a steadfast ally, noting that its Global Gateway strategy aims to enhance sustainable infrastructure in transportation, energy, water, digital, and telecommunications.
He announced that the European Investment Bank (EIB) is set to increase its lending to Bangladesh by twofold. “We anticipate this will be finalised before year’s end, delivering on the pledge made by the EIB Vice President last January.”
Additionally, Miller pointed out that the EU is deploying its financial resources to underpin private investments originating from Europe.
“We are pursuing strategies to significantly stimulate investment. Our trade partnership is robust, lively, and substantial,” he added.
He also reaffirmed the EU’s ongoing commitment to tackling worldwide issues, especially climate change, in cooperation with its partners.
