MM Rahmatullah: Bangladesh and Algeria have agreed to further deepen their longstanding bilateral relations by expanding cooperation in energy, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, climate change, sports and culture.The issues came up when Ambassador of Algeria to Bangladesh Abdelouahab Saidani paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Sunday.During the meeting, the State Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s interest in strengthening ties with Algeria and sought greater cooperation in the energy sector to help ensure the country’s long-term energy security.She also stressed the importance of cooperation in fertilizer production and supply, saying stronger collaboration in this sector could contribute to ensuring Bangladesh’s food security.The two sides discussed ways to expand trade and investment between the two countries, with particular attention to pharmaceuticals, agriculture and other areas of mutual interest.The State Minister also highlighted the need for greater Bangladesh-Algeria cooperation on climate change, noting that both countries are facing adverse impacts of global warming.She encouraged Algeria to import more biodegradable and environmentally friendly jute and jute products from Bangladesh, highlighting the potential for Bangladeshi jute goods in the Algerian market.Emphasising the importance of stronger people-to-people connections, Shama Obaed Islam called for greater exchanges and cooperation in sports and culture.Ambassador Saidani, for his part, expressed Algeria’s interest in expanding bilateral cooperation in energy, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, sports and culture.He also stressed the importance of high-level visits between the two countries as a means of further strengthening the existing friendly relations.The meeting reflected the shared interest of Bangladesh and Algeria in broadening their partnership beyond traditional areas and exploring new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.The two countries have maintained friendly relations for decades, and the latest discussions highlighted their common interest in expanding economic, cultural and people-to-people ties in the years ahead.