Bangladesh and Iraq have expressed interest in advancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of manpower, trade, and connectivity, during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

The discussion took place between Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain and Iraqi Foreign Minister Dr. Fuad Hussein on Thursday, during the UNGA high-level week.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both parties emphasized their commitment to strengthening ties and also exchanged views on shared concerns in multilateral platforms.

The Bangladeshi foreign affairs adviser reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working closely with Iraq to ensure regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Earlier in the day, Adviser Touhid Hossain addressed the ministerial meeting of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), held at the Trusteeship Council Chamber at UN Headquarters.

In his remarks, he recalled Bangladesh’s leadership as a former Chair of the PBC, and reiterated its unwavering support for the UN Charter, and the principles of inclusive governance and social cohesion as pillars for sustainable peace.

The adviser also highlighted Bangladesh’s continued contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, its support for the Peacebuilding Fund, and national initiatives to foster peace and stability.

He stressed Bangladesh’s consistent call for a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis, urging the international community to remain engaged in resolving the issue.