News Flash
DHAKA, March 10, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh and the Philippines today explored ways to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and skilled manpower exchange as Philippine Ambassador Nina Padilla Cainglet called on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam in Dhaka.
The envoy paid a maiden courtesy call on the state minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, congratulating her on assuming office and conveying greetings from the government of the Philippines to the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The ambassador expressed confidence that bilateral relations between the two countries would continue to strengthen under the new leadership.
Shama Obaed Islam reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to further strengthening its longstanding friendly relations with the Philippines and described the Southeast Asian nation as a close friend of Bangladesh.
The ambassador appreciated Bangladesh's support for the peace process in the Philippines, including its role following the 1996 Peace Agreement, and acknowledged Bangladesh's contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Both sides highlighted shared values and strong people-to-people connections, noting the presence of a sizable Filipino community in Bangladesh.
The ambassador recalled that an MoU on cooperation in the seafarers' sector was signed during the second Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between the two countries.
She said an MoU on nursing cooperation is expected to be signed soon, along with two additional agreements on labour cooperation and collaboration between the National Defence Colleges of Bangladesh and the Philippines.
The envoy also informed that the Philippines' Minister of Agriculture is expected to visit Bangladesh to sign cooperation agreements.
The meeting also discussed cooperation in higher education and skills development, including collaboration with the Philippines' Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The state minister said skills development and employment generation for youth remain key priorities of the Bangladesh government, noting that Bangladesh's young demographic profile aligns well with opportunities for
skilled employment in sectors such as health services, caregiving, ICT and business process outsourcing (BPO) in the Philippines.
Both sides reviewed the status of pending bilateral agreements, including MoUs on Air Services, Anti-Corruption Cooperation and Cultural Exchange, and agreed to work towards their early conclusion.
The ambassador also proposed holding the next Foreign Office Consultations next year, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Trade and investment cooperation also featured prominently in the talks.
The state minister highlighted opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and promoting private sector engagement, including exports from Bangladesh such as pharmaceuticals, jute products, ceramics and ready-made garments.
The ambassador noted prospects for Philippine investments in renewable energy, food processing and agro-processing, as well as joint ventures between businesses of the two countries.
During the meeting, the state minister also raised the issue of the Bangladesh Bank money heist, requesting continued support from the Philippine government in advancing the legal and investigative process.
She further expressed concern over the recent detention of Bangladeshi nationals in the Philippines and requested that their cases be handled in accordance with due legal procedures.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in emerging sectors including the creative economy, gaming industry, youth exchanges and cultural collaboration, including organising joint cultural events and participation
in international film festivals.
The state minister also sought the Philippines' support for Bangladesh's bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Bangladesh-Philippines relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across political, economic and people-to-people dimensions.
