Bangladesh and Kuwait Hold Historic First Political Consultations in Dhaka

Landmark Consultations Pave Way for Enhanced Bilateral Ties

Dhaka, Bangladesh – On October 19, 2025, Bangladesh and Kuwait held their first-ever political consultations in Dhaka, signaling a new chapter in their diplomatic relations. The historic meeting, co-chaired by Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral) of Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Ambassador Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat, Assistant Foreign Minister of Kuwait for Asian Affairs, aimed to strengthen cooperation across a wide array of sectors.

The consultations, held at the State Guest House Padma, reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the two nations, which began with Kuwait's early recognition of Bangladesh in 1973 and its support for Bangladesh's membership in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 1974.

Key Areas of Cooperation and Future Engagements

Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in political, economic, defence, labour, development, and cultural fields. A significant outcome was the decision to institutionalize these political consultations, holding them biennially and alternately in Dhaka and Kuwait City. They also committed to promoting high-level visits and exchanges among officials, business communities, and cultural representatives.

Discussions highlighted several critical areas for immediate and future cooperation:

• Defence Cooperation: The two nations reviewed Bangladesh's contributions under 'Operation Kuwait Punargathan' (also referred to as 'Operation Kuwait Reconstruction') and agreed to expand collaboration in military training, disaster response, and cybersecurity. Ambassador Hayat also met with Bangladesh's Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, to discuss military cooperation.
• Manpower and Labour: With over 120,000 Bangladeshi expatriates currently working in Kuwait, labour cooperation was a central theme. Both parties discussed expanding manpower cooperation, finalizing pending Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in line with Kuwait Vision 2035, and facilitating greater access for Bangladeshi workers to the Kuwaiti labour market. A new bilateral labour agreement is anticipated.
• Trade and Investment: Emphasis was placed on boosting trade and investment, particularly in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, ICT, and halal food. Bangladesh extended an invitation to Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in its Special Economic Zones and Hi-Tech Parks. Plans were also made to reactivate the Joint Trade Committee and organize a Bangladesh–Kuwait Business Forum in 2026.

Broader Partnership and Multilateral Support

The consultations also touched upon broader development initiatives and multilateral cooperation. Both countries expressed satisfaction with assistance from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and agreed to explore new avenues for collaboration in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and aviation connectivity. Furthermore, they reaffirmed cooperation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the OIC, with Bangladesh appreciating Kuwait's support for the Rohingya humanitarian response. Bangladesh, in turn, reiterated its support for Kuwait's candidatures to UNESCO, UNHRC, and IAEA.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to building a 'comprehensive, forward-looking partnership' guided by mutual respect and a shared vision for sustainable development under Kuwait Vision 2035.