Bangladesh and Nepal Strengthen Ties, Discuss Regional Cooperation and Energy Collaboration

The foreign secretaries of Bangladesh and Nepal met in Kathmandu on April 17, 2024, for the third round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) to enhance bilateral ties and discuss regional cooperation. The meeting focused on areas such as trade, transit, energy, tourism, and collaboration through regional organizations like SAARC and BIMSTEC.

One of the key outcomes was Bangladesh's advocacy for swiftly concluding a tripartite power agreement with India and Nepal to facilitate the import of up to 500 megawatts of hydropower from Nepal through India's transmission lines. This showcases Bangladesh's efforts to expand its energy resources and strengthen regional energy cooperation.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the robust bilateral ties and pledged to advance cooperation across various sectors. They emphasized the need to operationalize the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement to expand trade, connectivity, and people-to-people contacts. Nepal urged Bangladesh to explore investment opportunities in Nepal's hydropower sector and requested the waiver of Other Duties and Charges (ODCs) on Nepali exports to Bangladesh.

The countries also discussed regional issues, highlighting the revitalization of SAARC and the reinforcement of BIMSTEC for regional cooperation. They pledged mutual support in multilateral forums like the UN. Bangladesh thanked Nepal for allocating land for a Bangladeshi monastery in Lumbini, which will improve people-to-people contacts between the two nations.

Why this matters: The meeting between Bangladesh and Nepal underscores the growing importance of regional cooperation and energy collaboration in South Asia. As countries in the region seek to address their energy needs and promote economic growth, strengthening bilateral ties and exploring joint initiatives become critical for sustainable development and regional stability.

The foreign secretaries signed an MoU between the Foreign Service Institute of Nepal and the Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh to enhance diplomatic cooperation and capacity building. The meeting concluded with plans for the next Foreign Office Consultation to be held in Bangladesh, reflecting the commitment of both countries to further strengthen bilateral ties and regional cooperation.

Key Takeaways

• Bangladesh, Nepal held 3rd Foreign Office Consultations in Kathmandu.
• Discussed enhancing bilateral ties, regional cooperation in trade, energy, tourism.
• Bangladesh advocated for tripartite power deal with India to import Nepal's hydropower.
• Agreed to operationalize BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement to boost trade, connectivity.
• Signed MoU to enhance diplomatic cooperation and capacity building.