Malaysia, Bangladesh Commit To Strengthening Key Bilateral Mechanisms

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Bangladesh expressed their commitment to strengthening institutional political engagement through the resumption of the long-pending Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) and Bilateral Consultations (BC) at the earliest opportunity.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman noted that regular dialogue and exchanges, including high-level visits, have strengthened coordination across various areas of bilateral cooperation, including labour cooperation.

“They highlighted the importance of sustaining engagement on bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest,” according to a joint statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on the occasion of the official visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister to Malaysia here today.

Meanwhile, the joint statement said both leaders recognised the importance of people-to-people connectivity and welcomed the contribution of Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia’s development, noting that the expatriate community continues to play a role in fostering bilateral exchanges and shared economic activities between the two countries.

It said Malaysia acknowledged Bangladesh’s proposal regarding the recruitment of workers. However, both sides noted that in line with Malaysia’s current policy on foreign labour intake, approvals for new foreign worker quotas are assessed strictly on a case-by-case basis, subject to verified employer requirements and sectoral ceilings.

"For any such approved quotas, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the recruitment process is transparent, fair, non-discriminatory and competitive, utilising only credible and qualified recruitment agencies," said the joint statement.

Both leaders also agreed to convene a Joint Working Group (JWG) to ensure the continued, safe and mutually beneficial migration of Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia. 

"The meeting will focus on evaluating the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and laying the groundwork to draft a new, updated MoU that meets the current needs of both nations," it said.

Tarique, who arrived here last night, is undertaking a two-day official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Anwar.

-- BERNAMA