The G20 Summit is a significant platform for world leaders to come together and discuss pressing global issues, fostering cooperation and diplomacy. The 2023 G20 Summit, held in New Delhi, India, witnessed numerous bilateral efforts made by Bangladesh to strengthen its relations with various nations. In this brief, we will delve into the outcomes and the promising future of Bangladesh’s bilateral meetings with India, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Korea, as highlighted during the summit.
Hasina-Modi Summit: A Vision for the Future
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s crucial meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of the G20 Summit highlighted the prevailing strong bond between Bangladesh and India. Their discussions centered on diversifying bilateral cooperation and exploring new avenues for collaboration, including connectivity and commercial linkages. Prime Minister Modi lauded the progress in India-Bangladesh relations over the past nine years, citing it as a source of happiness. He emphasized the importance of connectivity and commercial ties, recognizing their potential to drive economic growth in both countries. The meeting also served as a platform to discuss regional issues and shared challenges, fostering a sense of solidarity between the two neighboring nations. These discussions reinforced the importance of continued cooperation for mutual benefit and regional stability.
Saudi Arabia: Strengthening Regional and Global Ties
During the G20 Summit, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The talks focused on bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh, as well as regional and global issues of common concern. The meeting underscored the importance of Saudi Arabia as a valuable partner in the Middle East for Bangladesh. It offered an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relations, discuss economic cooperation, and explore avenues for collaboration on pressing global matters.
Building Economic Ties with the UAE
On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held bilateral talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During this meeting, Sheikh Nahyan praised Bangladesh for its remarkable socio-economic development and expressed a commitment to further investment from the UAE. This positive development reflects the UAE’s recognition of Bangladesh’s potential as an economic partner. The promise of increased investment suggests a bright future for economic ties between the two nations, potentially leading to new trade agreements and collaborations in various sectors.
South Korea: A Strong Partnership in Culture and Commerce
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted the positive relations between Bangladesh and South Korea. Prime Minister Hasina expressed her appreciation for South Korea’s contributions to Bangladesh’s economy through investments. Both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in culture, trade, and commerce. This signifies the potential for expanded cultural exchanges, increased trade volumes, and a stronger economic partnership between the two nations.
Bilateral Relations with Argentina: Winning Hearts through Football
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s meeting with Argentine President Dr. Alberto Fernandez on the sidelines of the G20 Summit marked the beginning of a promising partnership. Fernandez conveyed the Argentine people’s appreciation for the support they received from Bangladesh during international football events. This gesture showcased the power of sports in fostering global goodwill. One notable achievement was Argentina’s decision to open an embassy in Dhaka earlier. Prime Minister Hasina expressed her gratitude for this step, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic ties in strengthening relations between nations. Moreover, she expressed her country’s readiness to collaborate in various sectors, including sports, trade, agriculture, and agro-processing. The meeting between Hasina and Fernandez exemplified the potential for mutually beneficial collaboration between Bangladesh and Argentina, promoting cultural exchange and trade relations. The positive outlook and friendly interactions between the two leaders bode well for the future of their nations’ bilateral relations.
In addition, informal meetings and greetings of Bangladesh Prime Minister with Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak and many global leaders are the huge sources of understanding and friendship in the diplomatic arena which is bound to be reflected in their bilateral relations.
The 2023 G20 New Delhi Summit showcased Bangladesh’s proactive approach to building and strengthening bilateral relations with various nations. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s diplomatic efforts have yielded promising results, with commitments to cooperation and investment from countries like Argentina, India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Korea. These positive outcomes demonstrate the power of diplomacy and international collaboration in fostering global peace, stability, and economic growth. Bangladesh’s proactive engagement with its global partners at the G20 Summit signifies its commitment to contributing to the betterment of the world while securing its own place in the global arena. As these bilateral efforts continue to bear fruit, Bangladesh’s role in international affairs is set to grow even more significant in the years to come.
– Syed Raiyan Amir is a Research Associate at the KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA).
