State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam held a meeting with Portugal's Secretary of State  for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ana Isabel Xavier on the sidelines of the  Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, April 21, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed 
Islam today called for expanded recruitment of skilled and semi-skilled 
workers in Portugal, as the two countries discussed strengthening labour 
cooperation and bilateral ties at a meeting in Dakar.

She made the urge when held the meeting with Portugal's Secretary of State 
for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ana Isabel Xavier on the sidelines of the 
Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, said a foreign 
ministry's press release here. 

During the meeting, the Bangladesh side expressed appreciation for Portugal's 
continued support in hosting a significant number of Bangladeshi expatriates.

The state minister underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral trade, 
including boosting exports of jute and jute-based products to the European 
market, and invited increased Portuguese investment.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in sports, culture and women's 
empowerment, and exchanged views on the Rohingya crisis.