Bangladesh, Netherlands discuss ways to boost defence cooperation

Bangladesh and the Netherlands on Thursday discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, with emphasis on naval modernization, technology transfer and capacity building.

The discussion took place when Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam at his office in the Armed Forces Division (AFD) at Dhaka Cantonment.

During the meeting, they reviewed the existing friendly relations between the two countries and exchanged views on potential areas of cooperation for the development of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, said an ISPR press release.

Enhancement of operational capabilities, technical training, use of advanced technologies and modern equipment, as well as modernization of the Bangladesh Navy, were among the key issues discussed, it said.

The two sides also explored prospects for cooperation in the shipbuilding sector, considering the Netherlands’ long-standing experience and technological expertise in the field.

They discussed possible technical assistance, technology transfer and joint initiatives for building modern naval vessels at local shipyards.

The Defence Adviser appreciated the Netherlands’ interest in supporting Bangladesh’s defence sector and expressed hope that cooperation between the two countries in military training, defence technology and capacity building would be further expanded in the future, the ISPR added.