Dhaka, Algiers discuss energy cooperation, stronger bilateral ties

Bangladesh and Algeria on Tuesday discussed expanding energy cooperation, trade and investment as a Bangladesh delegation called on Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb in Algiers.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood led the delegation, accompanied by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and the Bangladesh ambassador to Algeria, the foreign ministry said in a press release. 

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of issues to advance bilateral relations for mutual benefit.

Iqbal Hassan highlighted significant scope for cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, fertilisers, education, science, technology, sports and culture.

He called for increased trade and investment in the energy sector for the benefit of the people of both countries.

The minister also urged the Algerian authorities to arrange knowledge-sharing initiatives and training programmes for engineers and energy experts.

Humaiun Kobir expressed satisfaction over the signing of a memorandum of understanding on hydrocarbon cooperation between Bangladesh and Algeria.

He said the engagement had opened a new avenue for Bangladesh to import liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other petroleum products from Algeria through a government-to-government mechanism.

It also created opportunities to exchange best practices in developing LNG infrastructure and exploring coal and gas fields in Bangladesh, he said.

The state minister stressed the importance of exchanging high-level visits to further consolidate bilateral relations.

Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb said his government attached importance to strengthening relations with Bangladesh.

He noted substantial scope for mutually complementary cooperation in trade, commerce and investment between the two brotherly countries.