Manila, July 24 (AseanAll) — Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro welcomed Bangladesh Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Khalilur Rahman in Manila on 24 July 2026.
Foreign Minister Rahman participated in the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia held on 23 July.
During their meeting, the Ministers reviewed the progress of action items following the Third Philippines-Bangladesh Foreign Policy Consultations held in November 2025, particularly in areas of nursing education, seafarers’ welfare and training, agriculture, trade and investment, pharmaceuticals, academic cooperation, tourism and migration governance.
Both Ministers expressed interest in sustaining friendly and productive high-level exchanges, including political consultations and business delegation visits.
Lazaro also took the opportunity to congratulate FM Rahman on his election as President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81). She likewise commended Bangladesh’s efforts to actively engage with ASEAN, and acknowledged its longstanding commitment to deepen relations with the region.
The Philippines takes pride in being one of the first countries to recognize Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. The two countries formally established diplomatic relations on 24 February 1972, and will be celebrating the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2027.
