Moroccan Ambassador to Bangladesh Lalla Bouthaina El Kerdoudi El Koulali met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, July 1, 2026 (BSS) - Morocco today proposed establishing joint ventures with Bangladesh in the textile, pharmaceutical and maritime sectors as both countries pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation through expanded trade, investment and high-level engagements.

Moroccan Ambassador to Bangladesh Lalla Bouthaina El Kerdoudi El Koulali made the proposal when she paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, according to a foreign ministry press release.

During the meeting, the Ambassador said Morocco's strategic geographical location provides a gateway to African and European markets and offered joint ventures between the two countries in the textile, pharmaceutical and maritime sectors.

She also expressed Morocco's commitment to broadening cooperation across all sectors, including the recruitment of skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi manpower.

The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and growing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Morocco.

Welcoming the newly-appointed Ambassador, the State Minister expressed Bangladesh's readiness to extend full cooperation to further strengthen the existing ties between the two countries.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance collaboration in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, textiles, jute and jute goods, maritime affairs, shipbuilding and manpower sectors.

Shama also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in sports, culture, science and technology.

Highlighting the need to strengthen people-to-people contacts, the State Minister underscored the importance of cultural and sports exchanges, a mutual visa waiver agreement, and regular bilateral engagements and high-level visits to further deepen the partnership.