Bangladesh and Tajikistan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors during a meeting between Bangladesh Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Tajikistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Idibek Kalandar.
The meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the sidelines of the first-ever Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between the two countries. The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest aimed at deepening bilateral engagement.
During the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Kalandar emphasized the importance of establishing institutional frameworks through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements to facilitate broader cooperation. Both sides expressed their desire for the early conclusion of bilateral instruments covering trade and economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders, tourism promotion, avoidance of double taxation, investment promotion and protection, and industrial cooperation.

Describing the current bilateral trade volume as modest, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman stressed the need for greater private-sector engagement and increased exchanges of business delegations to unlock the untapped potential between the two countries. The two sides also discussed the possibility of opening resident diplomatic missions in their respective capitals, launching direct flights, simplifying visa procedures, enhancing people-to-people contacts, showcasing trade opportunities, promoting bilateral trade and investment, and facilitating the movement of goods, labor, and services.

Both countries underscored the importance of activating the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade and Economic Cooperation and strengthening engagement between their apex chambers and business communities.
The Bangladeshi Foreign Minister welcomed the proposal to establish a Bangladesh-Tajikistan Parliamentary Friendship Group to promote regular interaction between lawmakers of the two nations.

Dr. Khalilur Rahman also expressed gratitude for Tajikistan’s support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the Presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The two countries agreed to deepen coordination at regional and international levels and reaffirmed their commitment to mutual support in multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The leaders exchanged views on key regional and global developments and discussed enhancing inter-regional connectivity, recognizing the strategic importance of South and Central Asia. The Tajik side also expressed positive support for Bangladesh’s aspiration to obtain membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).