DHAKA: (Bernama-BSS) Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Friday (July 24) sought the Philippines' support, as the current Asean chair, for the country's bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of the regional bloc, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported.
He made the request during a bilateral meeting with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro in Manila on the sidelines of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), said a foreign ministry's press release here.
During the meeting, the two foreign ministers discussed ways to advance bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, including nursing, visa facilitation for medical tourism, business promotion and family reunification.
Rahman also sought the Philippines' support for efforts towards finding a sustainable solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis.
The two ministers underscored the importance of increased economic engagement between Bangladesh and the Philippines and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.
Bangladesh has been seeking Asean Sectoral Dialogue Partner status as part of its efforts to deepen institutional engagement and expand cooperation with the Southeast Asian regional grouping. - Bernama-BSS
