Italy is keen to cooperate Bangladesh in various issues that include to enhance skills in probing fire incidents, prevent human trafficking and financial crimes.

Italy gave the offers in a bilateral meeting held between the Home Ministers of Bangladesh and Italy in Rome, Italy on October 16, said a Home Ministry press  release.

Bangladesh delegation was led by Home and Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and the Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi at Italian Interior Minister office.

In the meeting, Italy assured to provide technical assistance and training to enhance the investigation capacity of Bangladesh in fire accidents.

The meeting also discussed various important issues of mutual interest, including irregular migration, prevention of human trafficking, money laundering, financial crimes, and enhancing investigation capacity in fire accidents.

In the meeting, both countries agreed to hold a joint security dialogue, exchange of intelligence information, and conduct joint operations by law enforcement agencies to manage migration and prevent trafficking.

In addition, emphasis was placed on the formation of a joint task force to combat human trafficking, rehabilitation of victims and expansion of legal migration opportunities.

The meeting proposed signing a Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement (MLAT) and an extradition agreement to prevent financial crimes.

In addition, initiatives to increase capacity in forensic investigation and asset recovery were discussed. 

The Home Ministers of both countries referred to the meeting as an important milestone in future cooperation and partnership.