<div><b><span style="font-size: 1rem;">France has thanked Bangladesh for its commitment concerning the acquisition of 10 A350 from Airbus.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>The two countries underlined the importance of continued cooperation on improved air traffic management in all airports of Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>Both countries welcomed enhanced cooperation in strategic sectors, according to the joint statement on Bangladesh-France partnership for peace, prosperity and people.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh and France regard sovereignty and strategic autonomy as key principles for a stable, multi-polar world.</div><div><br></div><div>Likewise, as a contribution to the 2041 Vision of a Smart Bangladesh, the two countries welcomed the conclusion of a space partnership between Airbus DS and Bangladesh Satellite Company Ltd. (BSCL) that will strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a Space nation after it masters its own sovereign earth observation satellite.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh and France have agreed to cooperate in the fields of ICT and digital technology, including artificial intelligence.</div><div><br></div><div>In this regard, France invited Bangladesh to consider joining initiatives such as the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence.</div><div><br></div><div>They also stressed the importance of joining their efforts towards an enhanced management of cybersecurity issues for a global, open and secure cyberspace governed by international law.</div><div><br></div><div>France will work towards identification of technical assistance to Bangladesh in dealing with cybersecurity threats and will work together on the Global Digital Compact under the aegis of the UN.</div><div><br></div><div>Bangladesh and France share a deep-seated friendship, based on shared democratic values, promotion of human rights, sustaining peace and sustainable development.</div><div><br></div><div>This friendship is rooted in multi-layered historical ties that notably saw André Malraux, France’s former Minister of Culture, launch his memorable call for supporting Bangladesh during the Liberation War in 1971 and his subsequent meeting with Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka in April 1973.</div><div><br></div><div>Building on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to France in November 2021, at her invitation, President Emmanuel Macron paid a bilateral visit to Bangladesh from 10-11 September 2023.</div><div><br></div><div>The President of France and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh met on Monday in Dhaka to give a strong impetus to the bilateral relations, and stated their common conviction to develop a trusted and meaningful partnership fostering strategic autonomy - in support of global peace and security, resilience and prosperity, and people-centric connectivity. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>