CPA would strengthen Bangladesh-EU ties: visiting EU top official

Paola Pampaloni, the visiting acting managing director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS), today said the comprehensive partnership agreement (CPA) between Bangladesh and the EU would pave the way for deeper ties between the two partners and open up significant opportunities in trade and investment.

Pampaloni made the remarks during a courtesy call on Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues concerning Bangladesh-EU relations, including negotiations on the framework agreement on the CPA, the upcoming general elections and referendum, combating illegal migration, and expanding trade and investment, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser's Office.

Pampaloni noted that the initiation of negotiations on the CPA in November 2024 came after 20 years during which there had been a general partnership agreement.

She congratulated the chief adviser for the "incredible and massive" work he has undertaken since assuming leadership of the interim government in August 2024, particularly in carrying out important reforms to which the EU, as Bangladesh's political and largest commercial partner, attaches great importance, and for ensuring peace and stability at a critical juncture for the country.

Yunus described the CPA as one of the most important agreements for Bangladesh and said it would "solidify" Bangladesh-EU relations.

Pampaloni said the head of the EU Election Observation Mission would arrive in Bangladesh later this week and is expected to hold a series of meetings with political leaders and relevant authorities.

Pampaloni stressed the importance of a peaceful election, saying Bangladesh-EU relations could reach new heights following a successful democratic transition, ushering in a new era of engagement between Dhaka and the world's largest economic bloc.

Lutfey Siddiqi, special envoy of the chief adviser; Lamiya Morshed, SDG coordinator and senior secretary; and Michael Miller, the European Union ambassador to Bangladesh, were also present at the meeting.