PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Bangladesh, on Tuesday (Aug 12), sealed eight memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and agreements aimed at deepening bilateral ties across a wide range of sectors, including defence, energy, higher education, diplomacy, halal development, and private sector cooperation.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus in conjunction with the latter's official visit to Malaysia.
Among the key documents exchanged was the MOU on Defence Cooperation between the two governments, signed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.
Also inked was an MOU on cooperation in the supply and infrastructure of liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products and related facilities, signed by Finance Minister II and Acting Economy Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, and Bangladesh Adviser for Road Transport and Bridges, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Railways M Fouzul Kabir Khan.
Other agreements included the Exchange of Notes on Cooperation in Higher Education and on Training for Diplomats, both signed by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan with Bangladesh's Dr Asif Nazrul and Md Touhid Hossain, respectively.
Mohamad signed the Exchange of Note on Cooperation in Higher Education on behalf of Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
The two sides also formalised cooperation in the halal ecosystem through an Exchange of Notes between Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority executive chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Harun.
In the area of strategic research, an MOU was signed between the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies.
From the business sector, MOUs were concluded between MIMOS Services Sdn Bhd and the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI), as well as between the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).
The visit by Yunus marks a significant step in strengthening Malaysia-Bangladesh relations, with both sides expressing commitment to advancing cooperation in trade, investment, human capital development, and cultural exchange.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia, was accorded an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex earlier Tuesday.
In 2024, Malaysia-Bangladesh trade rose 5.1% to RM13.35bil (US$2.92bil).
Bangladesh is Malaysia's second-largest trading partner and export destination in South Asia, with key exports including petroleum products, palm oil and chemicals, while imports comprise textiles, footwear, petroleum products and manufactured goods. - Bernama
