Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 2nd April 2026, 11:35 AM
Bangladesh has formally sought Malta’s backing for its bid to preside over the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026–2027 term. The appeal was made by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam during a meeting with Reuben Gauci, Malta’s Non-Resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, 1 April.
The discussion encompassed a broad spectrum of bilateral and global issues, emphasising the promotion of peace, stability, and international cooperation. Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration across trade, education, gender equality, and migration sectors, highlighting mutual areas of interest.
A significant aspect of the dialogue focused on boosting bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Malta. Both parties acknowledged the potential benefits of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, which would facilitate smoother trade flows, attract investment, and open new market opportunities for goods and services.
| Area of Cooperation | Bangladesh Focus | Malta Focus | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade & Commerce | Export promotion, service exchange | Import facilitation, investment | Expand trade and market access |
| Education & Skills | Student exchange, vocational training | Scholarships, higher education collaboration | Develop human capital, enhance skills |
| Visa Facilitation | Simplified visa procedures for students/workers | Efficient processing and approvals | Reduce time and costs, ease mobility |
| Gender Equality | Increased female participation in workforce | Policy support for gender inclusion | Promote equal opportunities |
| Migration & Labour | Safe deployment of workers | Reception and integration services | Protect migrant rights, ensure workforce efficiency |
State Minister Shama Obaid Islam welcomed Malta’s initiative to streamline visa services for Bangladeshi students and professionals, noting that it would save both time and costs while facilitating smoother access to employment and educational opportunities.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening political cooperation in bilateral and multilateral forums. They also highlighted the importance of supporting each other on the international stage, particularly in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.
This engagement marks a strengthening of Bangladesh’s diplomatic outreach, reinforcing its position on global issues while consolidating support for its UNGA presidency bid. The collaboration with Malta is seen as pivotal in garnering European backing and creating a broader coalition of support within the UN framework.
In addition to political dialogue, both countries pledged to explore further collaboration in economic, educational, and social sectors, reinforcing a strategic partnership aimed at long-term mutual benefit.
The meeting ultimately reflects Bangladesh’s proactive approach to diplomacy, combining bilateral initiatives with global aspirations to enhance its influence and role within the United Nations system.
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