Bangladesh and Indonesia today reviewed progress in negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and stressed the importance of concluding the pact at an early date to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

The issue came up when Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Listyowati paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here, said a ministry’s press release. 

During the meeting, the ambassador congratulated the state minister on assuming office and conveyed greetings from the Government of Indonesia to the newly elected government of Bangladesh.

Welcoming the envoy, the state minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Indonesia.

Both sides noted that the two countries will celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, which would offer an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation.

The meeting discussed ways to expand collaboration in areas including trade and investment, energy, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.

During the meeting, the state minister sought Indonesia’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.

She also requested Indonesia’s continued support for Bangladesh in international forums, including Dhaka’s candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (2026–2027).

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Bangladesh–Indonesia relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries.