Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Italy, calling the European nation one of Bangladesh’s most important development partners.
The minister emphasized the growing areas of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in safe migration, economic collaboration, and remittances sent by the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy.
Speaking at a meeting with Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Secretariat on Tuesday, Salahuddin Ahmed stated, “The Bangladeshi government places significant importance on its relationship with Italy, especially considering the valuable role played by Bangladeshi expatriates in Italy, who contribute significantly to our economy through remittances.”
The meeting, which aimed to discuss expanding bilateral ties, saw both sides expressing strong interest in further enhancing cooperation.
The minister also expressed Bangladesh’s desire to deepen its relationship with Italy, especially in areas of migration, law enforcement, and economic collaboration.
Ambassador Antonio Alessandro responded by reaffirming Italy’s commitment to the ongoing bilateral relationship and expressed Italy’s interest in expanding these ties.
He further shared that Italy is focused on ensuring safe migration and combating illegal immigration, which he noted is a priority for the Italian government.
The ambassador also mentioned that a new immigration policy will come into effect in Italy starting in June, which aims to facilitate safe migration and streamline the process for deporting illegal immigrants.
Additionally, Ambassador Antonio Alessandro noted that a Joint Working Group meeting on safe migration, labour markets, and skilled worker exchanges had taken place in Bangladesh last July. The next meeting of the working group will be held in Italy.
During the meeting, Italian ambassador presented a letter of congratulations from Italy’s Interior Minister and invited home minister to visit Italy.
The home minister confirmed that he would accept the invitation and visit Italy at a suitable time later this year.
The discussion also included topics such as law enforcement, security cooperation, economic partnerships, and opportunities for expanding trade relations between the two countries.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Ziauddin Ahmed, additional secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Rebekah Khan, joint secretary of the Political-1 Division, Begum Minara Nazmin, deputy secretary of the Political-1 Division, Anirban Nigoyi, director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Western Europe and EU Division, and Laura Schella, head of Consular Affairs at the Italian Embassy.
