Lecture on "Bangladesh-EU Relations

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a Country Lecture titled "Bangladesh–EU Relations: A Multifaceted Partnership" on 06 October 2016 at the BIISS Auditorium.

The lecture featured H. E. Ambassador Pierre Mayaudon, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, as the Guest Speaker. The programme brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, policymakers, academics, researchers, military officials, representatives of development partner organisations, think tanks, media professionals, and students to discuss the evolving and multifaceted partnership between Bangladesh and the European Union.

In his lecture, Ambassador Pierre Mayaudon highlighted the steady evolution of Bangladesh–European Union relations, describing the EU as one of Bangladesh's most important development and trading partners. He noted that the partnership has expanded significantly over the years, encompassing trade and investment, development cooperation, governance, climate action, education, human rights, sustainable development, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Guest Speaker emphasised that the European Union remains committed to supporting Bangladesh's economic transformation, democratic development, and sustainable growth. He discussed the EU's cooperation in areas such as poverty reduction, institutional capacity building, education and skills development, labour standards, environmental sustainability, disaster resilience, and good governance. He also underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations and enhancing cooperation in innovation, technology, renewable energy, and regional connectivity.

The lecture further explored the prospects for Bangladesh–EU relations in the context of changing regional and global dynamics. Participants discussed opportunities to deepen collaboration in addressing shared challenges, including climate change, migration, maritime security, countering violent extremism, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The discussion highlighted the importance of continued dialogue, mutual trust, and strategic engagement in strengthening the longstanding partnership.

The programme concluded with an interactive discussion session, during which participants shared valuable questions, opinions, comments, suggestions, and observations on the future direction of Bangladesh–European Union relations. The event reaffirmed the shared commitment of Bangladesh and the European Union to expanding their comprehensive partnership through enhanced diplomatic engagement, economic cooperation, sustainable development, and collaboration in regional and global forums.