DHAKA, Nov 13, 2022 (BSS) - Speakers at a seminar here today underscored the 
need for broadening Bangladesh's bilateral ties with Africa, a region with 
vast natural resources, strategic importance and economic prospects. 

In this challenging time, a country requires to diversify its foreign 
relations while Bangladesh has undertaken different measures to that end as 
far as relations with Africa are concerned, they said.
 
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised 
the hybrid seminar titled "Look Africa: Exploring New Horizons for 
Bangladesh" at its auditorium in the capital. 
 
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen spoke as the chief guest while BIISS 
Chairman Ambassador Kazi Imtiaz Hossain chaired the inaugural session. 

BIISS director Major General Sheikh Pasha Habib Uddin delivered the welcome 
address while foreign ministry's Secretary (East) Ambassador Mashfee Binte 
Shams gave the keynote speech on "Diplomatic Ties with African Nations: 
Current Status and Future Direction".
 
Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Dr. 
Binayak Sen chaired the working session where five papers were presented. 

Dr. Syeda Rozana Rashid, professor of International Relations, Dhaka 
University, presented on "Harnessing the Potential of Bangladesh-Africa 
Migration Corridors", Brigadier General Shamim Kamal, CI-AFWC Wing of 
National Defence College (NDC) presented on "Integrated Approach on 
Peacekeeping Operations to Unlock the Goldengate of Africa", Dr. Fahmida 
Khatun, executive director of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), on "Trade and 
Investment in Africa: Current Status and Future Opportunities for 
Bangladesh", Shams Mahmud, honorary consul of FDR Ethiopia to Bangladesh on 
"Business Opportunities and Challenges in Africa: Investors' Perspectives" 
and Dr. Sufia Khanom, senior research fellow of BIISS, presented on 
"Combating Climate Change Together: Untapped Potential between Africa and 
Bangladesh". 

Senior officials from different ministries, ambassadors, high commissioners, 
former diplomats, senior military officials, media, researchers, 
businesspeople, teachers and students from various universities, 
representatives from different think tanks and international organisations 
participated in the seminar.