DHAKA, 11 November 2021, (TON): Bangladesh and France have signed a Letter of Intent on defence cooperation as the two countries stated their will to further develop the defence and security component of their partnership.

foreign minister AK Abdul Momen told UNB “yes, we signed it. However, it relates to training and technology transfer.”

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina and French president Emmanuel Macron had a bilateral meeting and discussed the issues of mutual interest and cooperation.

To that end, the two countries agreed to strengthen dialogue and continue their cooperation, particularly in the area of training, which was launched during this visit.

They committed to stepping up cooperation in the area of defence equipment based on the needs expressed and each party’s ability to respond to them, including through capacity building and potential technology transfer in this regard, according to a joint statement.

At the invitation of French president Emmanuel Macron, prime minister Sheikh Hasina is making an official visit to France from November 9.

The high-level discussions covered, among other issues, elevating bilateral relations, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties which both countries will celebrate next year and major international and regional issues.