Dhaka, Paris eye deeper parliamentary engagement

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet met Speaker of Parliament Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad at the Jatiya Sangsad on Sunday, where both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand parliamentary cooperation between Bangladesh and France.

During the courtesy meeting held at the Speaker’s office, the French envoy congratulated Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on his election as Speaker of Parliament and expressed France’s interest in enhancing engagement with Bangladesh through stronger inter-parliamentary exchanges.

According to a press release, the two sides held discussions on a range of bilateral issues, including democratic values, reform initiatives and cooperation in international forums.

The ambassador noted that Bangladesh and France share common principles such as democracy, peace and multilateralism. He also commended Bangladesh’s continued contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world.

The discussion also touched on Bangladesh’s ongoing reform process, with both sides exchanging views on political and institutional developments.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said Bangladesh highly values its longstanding relationship with France and described the European nation as an important development and trade partner.

He noted that France remains one of the major destinations for Bangladeshi exports within the European Union market, highlighting the importance of expanding economic and diplomatic cooperation further in the coming years.

The meeting reflected the growing engagement between Dhaka and Paris as both countries seek closer collaboration in parliamentary affairs, trade, diplomacy and international peace efforts.