During the third round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), which took place in Kathmandu on April 17, 2024, Nepal and Bangladesh reaffirmed their strong relationship and talked about possible areas for deeper cooperation.
Power Deal on Horizon
During the negotiations, a major focus was on Bangladesh’s decision to finalize a three-way power agreement with Nepal and India. This agreement would permit Bangladesh to bring in as much as 500 megawatts (MW) of hydropower from Nepal through India’s transmission lines. This move showcases Bangladesh’s commitment to expanding its energy resources and fulfilling its growing need for electricity.
Beyond Power: Broadening Cooperation
The conversations covered a wide range of topics, not just energy. They included trade, commerce, transit, and connectivity. Both parties expressed a desire to improve cooperation while acknowledging the “untapped potential” in these areas. In particular, Nepal demanded that Bangladesh look into investment opportunities in its hydropower sector and that trade barriers be removed to allow Nepali exports.
Education and Culture: Building Bridges
The significance of cross-cultural and cross-educational exchange was also emphasized at the meeting. The Foreign Service Institute of Nepal and the Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is a tangible step in the direction of developing stronger connections in these domains.
Regional Collaboration: Strengthening BIMSTEC and Revitalizing SAARC
Mutually beneficial regional issues were also discussed by the foreign secretaries. In order to foster regional cooperation on a number of fronts, they underlined the necessity of strengthening the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Commitment to Continued Dialogue
The accomplishment of the FOC highlights Bangladesh’s and Nepal’s determination to forge closer relations. The next round of consultations will take place in Bangladesh at a time that works for both parties.
Towards the Future: Improved Nepal-Bangladesh Relations
The FOC opens the door to deeper Bangladeshi-Nepali cooperation. The identification of opportunities for cooperation in trade, education, and culture, as well as the possible completion of the power agreement, are encouraging developments. To fully realize this relationship’s potential, communication and cooperation must continue.
