|| Desk Report: Bangladesh and the Republic of Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on economic partnership, trade and investment, technology, skills development and defence cooperation.Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir held separate meetings with South Korea’s First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoon-joo and Vice Minister of National Defense Lee Doo-hee in Seoul on Friday.During his meeting with Park Yoon-joo, Kobir conveyed Bangladesh’s readiness to work closely with the Korean government to deepen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.The State Minister also handed over an invitation from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.Kobir praised South Korea’s transformation into a global economic and technological leader, saying the country’s development experience continues to inspire Bangladesh. He expressed satisfaction over regular Foreign Office Consultations and other high-level exchanges between the two countries.Bangladesh also reaffirmed its support for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.A major focus of the meeting was the proposed Bangladesh–ROK Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Kobir welcomed progress towards concluding the agreement and expressed hope for its early signing.He called for increased bilateral trade and investment, improved market access for Bangladeshi products and greater Korean investment in sectors including semiconductors, electronics, shipbuilding, light engineering, high-end ready-made garments, ICT and other technology-intensive industries.The State Minister also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, agro-processing, logistics, digital transformation, skills development and services.He sought greater opportunities for Bangladeshi skilled and semi-skilled workers in South Korea through the Employment Permit System (EPS).Appreciating South Korea’s development partnership with Bangladesh, Kobir sought enhanced cooperation in climate resilience, infrastructure, human-resource development, technical and vocational education and digital technologies.The Rohingya crisis also featured in the discussions. Kobir appreciated South Korea’s humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas and sought continued Korean support for their early and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues and stressed the importance of continued cooperation in multilateral forums.Defence cooperation gains attentionIn his separate meeting with South Korean Vice Minister of National Defense Lee Doo-hee, Kobir discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.The discussions covered training, capacity building, UN peacekeeping and defence industry cooperation.The State Minister appreciated South Korea’s support in training and capacity building for Bangladesh’s armed forces, police and civil defence personnel. He requested continued and expanded opportunities for specialised training.Kobir also encouraged South Korea to send military personnel to participate in specialised courses offered by the Bangladesh Armed Forces.A new area of potential cooperation emerged with Bangladesh’s plan to establish a defence industrial zone. The State Minister informed the Korean side about the initiative and invited Korean companies to explore investment opportunities there.He said such cooperation could contribute to technology transfer, industrial development and mutual economic benefits.The Korean side welcomed Bangladesh’s interest in strengthening defence ties and expressed readiness to explore greater cooperation in mutually agreed areas, particularly training, capacity building and peacekeeping.The meetings underscored the shared commitment of Bangladesh and South Korea to consolidate their longstanding partnership and expand cooperation across economic, technological, development and defence sectors for mutual benefit.