Bangladesh and France today discussed issues and ways to further strengthen political engagement between the two countries as a three-member delegation of French senators met state minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed Islam.

The two sides also exchanged views on a range of bilateral and multilateral issues during the meeting held at the state minister's office here, said the French embassy here.  

The French delegation comprised Senators Guillaume Chevrollier, Pierre-Alain Roiron and Olivier Henno, who arrived in Dhaka on Saturday night on a three-day official visit.

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet and Christian Bec, head of the political wing at the French Embassy in Dhaka, accompanied the senators during the meeting.

The senators are members of the French-Southeast Asia and Bangladesh Senate Friendship Group.

The French Embassy in Dhaka described the visit as particularly significant as it marks the first political-level visit from France since Bangladesh's new democratically elected government assumed office.

During their visit, the senators are expected to discuss ways to further strengthen political and parliamentary ties, exchange perspectives with their Bangladeshi counterparts and explore new avenues of cooperation between the two countries.

The delegation is also scheduled to meet Speaker of Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, and hold discussions with various Bangladeshi interlocutors.

Their programme includes visits to sites associated with French development cooperation and museums, alongside meetings with members of the French community in Dhaka and representatives of the business community.

The French Senate (Sénat) is the upper chamber of the French Parliament, alongside the National Assembly.