The first round of PCA negotiations between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) held on Thursday at the EU headquarters in Brussels. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, April 11, 2025 (BSS) – Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) have agreed to maintain a constructive and forward-looking dialogue to conclude negotiations on a comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) by next year.

The commitment came during the first round of PCA negotiations held on Thursday at the EU headquarters in Brussels, said a foreign ministry’s press release here today.

Both sides held extensive discussions covering trade and investment, governance, climate action, digital transformation, and connectivity.

The PCA seeks to establish a modern, broad-based legal framework for Bangladesh-EU relations, aiming to deepen collaboration across multiple sectors and align future engagements with global developments and emerging challenges.

According to the EU, the agreement will offer an updated and inclusive foundation for bilateral ties, better suited to address current realities and ensure long-term cooperation.

Other topics on the agenda included health, education, agriculture, migration, skills development, sustainable development, human rights, humanitarian assistance, counterterrorism, and peace and security.

The dialogue reflected shared aspirations for an enhanced and meaningful partnership between the two sides.

Highlighting the significance of the talks, the ministry noted that Bangladesh is on track to become the first South Asian country to sign a PCA with the EU.

Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the Bangladesh delegation as chief negotiator, while the EU side was headed by Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service.

Khandker Masudul Alam, Head of Mission of Bangladesh to the EU, also joined the discussion, along with officials from various ministries, divisions, and government agencies—both physically and virtually.

The next round of negotiations is expected to take place in Dhaka at a mutually convenient time.

Bangladesh and the EU launched their first formal political dialogue in November 2022 in Dhaka, which marked an expansion of cooperation into strategic and thematic areas. The milestone came as the two sides celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2023.