Bangladesh and Kosovo have explored avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation, with particular focus on addressing climate-related challenges through knowledge-sharing, technology transfer and the exchange of best practices.

The issues came up when Kosovo’s Minister for Environment and Spatial Planning Fitore Pacolli-Dalipi called on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Bangladesh Pavilion at COP31 on Friday.

State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr MD Saimum Parvez were also present.

During the meeting, the Kosovar Minister highlighted the challenges her country faces in flood management, water management and air quality, while stressing the importance of recycling and effective waste management.

Shama briefed her on various initiatives undertaken by the Bangladesh government in flood control and waste management.

The discussions also covered ways to expand political and economic engagement between the two countries.

Both sides underscored the importance of regular high-level dialogue at multilateral forums, exchanges of political visits and trade delegations to strengthen bilateral ties.

They observed that stronger bilateral engagement could open up opportunities for cooperation in areas such as recycling, technology transfer, waste management and early warning systems, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Shama also proposed government-to-government cooperation in skilled migration, suggesting that qualified Bangladeshi professionals could work in sectors facing shortages of skilled workers in Kosovo.

The Kosovar Minister took note of the proposal.

She also expressed her interest in visiting Bangladesh, prompting Shama to extend a warm invitation to visit the country at a mutually convenient time.

As a gesture of friendship, Shama presented the visiting minister with handicrafts made of jute and highlighted the natural, biodegradable properties of jute as an alternative to plastic.

Impressed by the quality and craftsmanship of the products, Pacolli-Dalipi was also invited to visit Bangladesh’s jute pavilion in the Green Zone of COP31 to explore the versatility and diverse uses of the natural fibre.