Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Anis Matta met Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Adviser and Spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Wednesday to discuss simplifying visa and travel procedures, launching direct flights and expanding bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Indonesia.

The meeting was held at the PMO in Tejgaon in the morning.

The two sides discussed measures to increase people-to-people contact, expand educational cooperation and strengthen collaboration in the energy sector.

They placed particular emphasis on improving facilities, amenities and safety for the large number of Bangladeshi tourists travelling to Indonesia.

The meeting also focused on increasing bilateral trade and creating opportunities for more Indonesian companies to operate and invest in Bangladesh.

Key issues included simplifying visa procedures, reinstating visa-on-arrival facilities for Bangladeshi citizens and introducing direct flights between the two countries.

The two sides explored new opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, energy, tourism, education and people-to-people contact to further strengthen the economic and strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Indonesia.

They also discussed boosting Indonesian investment in Bangladesh and strengthening links between the business communities and entrepreneurs of the two countries.

The two sides discussed expanding trade in ready-made garments, jute, agricultural products and palm oil, as well as increasing exports of halal products.

They also agreed to strengthen multifaceted cooperation and further deepen the bonds of shared Muslim brotherhood.

Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Listyowati and Bangladesh Ambassador to Indonesia Md Abul Hasan Mridha were present at the meeting.