Bangladesh and Vietnam have agreed to deepen cooperation on security and law enforcement, with both countries placing greater emphasis on tackling human trafficking, irregular migration and organised cross-border crime.
The commitment was made during a high-level bilateral meeting at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 7 July.
Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed held talks with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Public Security, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, according to Bangladesh’s Home Ministry.
The discussions covered a broad range of issues, including security cooperation, trade, investment and regional connectivity, with both sides expressing their intention to strengthen long-standing bilateral relations.
During the meeting, Salahuddin Ahmed congratulated Vietnam on the completion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the formation of its new leadership.
He said the Bangladeshi government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was committed to expanding cooperation with Vietnam through bilateral, regional and multilateral engagement.
The minister also reflected on the diplomatic relationship established between the two countries in February 1973, describing Vietnam as a reliable partner.
He noted that cooperation has steadily expanded in recent years through increased trade, investment and exchanges between people.
Visa-related challenges faced by Bangladeshi citizens travelling to Vietnam were among the main issues discussed. Bangladesh requested a simpler visa process for genuine tourists, business visitors, skilled professionals and family visa applicants.
The home minister also proposed measures to improve cooperation on the repatriation of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals.
Addressing wider security concerns, Salahuddin Ahmed called for stronger institutional links between the law enforcement agencies of both countries.
He said closer collaboration would help combat human trafficking, drug smuggling and other forms of transnational organised crime more effectively.
Economic cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions.
The home minister said bilateral trade has already exceeded US$1 billion and expressed hope that a proposed preferential trade agreement would significantly increase trade in the coming years.
He welcomed Vietnam’s decision to approve imports of Bangladeshi potatoes and requested wider access for internationally certified pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh.
Salahuddin Ahmed also encouraged Vietnamese companies to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh, highlighting the country’s favourable business environment.
In addition, he sought Vietnam’s support for Bangladesh’s efforts to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The Vietnamese delegation said Bangladesh’s proposals would be given careful consideration and expressed confidence that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries would continue to develop across security, trade and regional affairs.
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