Diplomatic Desk: Ambassador of France to Bangladesh, Jean‑Marc Séré‑Charlet, paid a courtesy call on Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. The Ambassador warmly congratulated the State Minister on her recent assumption of duties and expressed optimism that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and France would be further strengthened during her tenure. The State Minister acknowledged France’s longstanding development cooperation with Bangladesh across diverse sectors. The discussions explored avenues for expanding cooperation in trade and investment, climate action, culture, women empowerment, sustainable development, education and skills development, connectivity, migration, and global peace and security. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, restraint, and respect for international law for maintaining peace, stability and security across the world.The State Minister further expressed Bangladesh’s interest in exploring additional opportunities to deepen trade and investment relations with the European Union within the framework of existing arrangements and cooperation mechanisms, with a view to sustaining the competitiveness of Bangladeshi exports in the EU market.The State Minister sought France’s support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the upcoming Presidency of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly for the term 2026-2027.Ambassador Séré‑Charlet reaffirmed France’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh to advance the shared vision of peace, prosperity, and progress.