Australia as Bangladesh vow to boost trade as foreign ministers meet in Dhaka

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Australia and Bangladesh on Tuesday said that the two countries would work to expand trade and cooperation on areas including security and the Rohingya refugee crisis.

The statements came as Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong arrived in Bangladesh’s capital on a two-day visit and held talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud.

In a briefing with Mahmud after the talks, Wong said that Australia was eager to support Bangladesh as it graduates from least developed country status at the World Trade Organization to developing in 2026.

“We share a region. We share an ocean and we share a future ... we are determined to do what we can to work with you and other partners to make sure the region is peaceful, stable and prosperous,” she said.

Wong’s visit, her first to Bangladesh, is aimed at enhancing Australia’s “engagement with the Indian Ocean region,” a press statement from the Australian Foreign Ministry said.