Today, newly appointed Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel paid his maiden courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, Oct 6, 2025 (BSS)- Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today sought deeper cooperation with the Netherlands in water management, agriculture and technology, acknowledging the European nation’s globally recognized expertise in these sectors.

The Adviser made the call when newly appointed Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel paid his maiden courtesy call on him at the foreign ministry here, according to a press release issued by the ministry.

During the meeting, Hossain highlighted the potential for greater collaboration between the two countries, particularly in the areas that support Bangladesh’s sustainable development and climate resilience. 

He also stressed the need for enhancing cooperation in creating safe, orderly and well-regulated migration pathways while reiterating Dhaka’s firm stance against irregular migration.

The Adviser appreciated the longstanding friendship and value-based cooperation between Bangladesh and the Netherlands, both bilaterally and in multilateral platforms. 

Expressing confidence in the growing partnership, he said the relationship is poised to deepen and diversify further during the Dutch envoy’s tenure.

Ambassador van Bommel reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s interim government in maintaining stability, advancing democratic reforms, and ensuring free and fair elections, following the recent high-level engagements held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

The Dutch envoy also underscored opportunities for expanding engagement in priority sectors including ready-made garments, migration, climate change, water resource management, and the blue economy. 

He highlighted the importance of private sector development and job creation as key areas for future cooperation.

Van Bommel further reiterated the Netherlands’ continued support to Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya crisis.

Hossain, meanwhile, emphasized Bangladesh’s youthful and dynamic population as a major strength for driving innovation, economic growth and democratic resilience. 
He expressed gratitude for the Netherlands’ role in capacity-building initiatives such as training programs for young diplomats at the Clingendael Institute and other specialized courses for government officials.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interests and pledged to maintain close cooperation in tackling shared challenges.