In a significant move to bolster bilateral ties and address the global climate crisis, Finland has expressed a profound interest in collaborating with Bangladesh within the sustainable and renewable energy sectors. This intent was conveyed by the non-resident Finnish Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ritva Koukku-Ronde, during a formal courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence, Ganabhaban, earlier today.
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A Half-Century of Diplomacy
The meeting served as a poignant milestone, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Ambassador Koukku-Ronde, who is based in New Delhi, delivered a letter of greetings from the Finnish Prime Minister, Sanna Marin, to the Bangladeshi Premier. In return, Prime Minister Hasina extended her warmest regards to her Finnish counterpart, acknowledging the enduring friendship that has evolved over five decades.
Strengthening Technological and Industrial Bonds
A primary focal point of the discussions was the potential for deepened cooperation with the Finnish telecommunications giant, Nokia. The Ambassador suggested that the existing partnership between Bangladesh and Nokia could be significantly enhanced, particularly as Bangladesh continues to modernise its digital infrastructure.
Prime Minister Hasina invited Finnish firms to explore investment opportunities within the burgeoning network of Hi-Tech Parks established across the country. These parks are designed to act as catalysts for technological innovation and industrial growth, offering attractive incentives for international partners specialising in green technology and digital services.
Addressing Regional and Global Challenges
The conversation inevitably turned to the Rohingya crisis. Ambassador Koukku-Ronde assured the Prime Minister that Finland remains committed to addressing this humanitarian issue through various United Nations agencies. Prime Minister Hasina described the displaced population as a “colossal burden” on the Bangladeshi economy and noted the significant social strain placed on local communities.
Furthering the dialogue on regional security, the Prime Minister reaffirmed her government’s zero-tolerance policy regarding insurgency at the Myanmar border. She drew a parallel to the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, a landmark bilateral negotiation that led to the peaceful surrender of 1,800 armed cadres, illustrating Bangladesh’s commitment to internal and regional stability.
The Economic Fallout of the Ukraine Conflict
Discussing the geopolitical climate, particularly the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the Prime Minister lamented the rising costs of essential commodities. She noted that while Bangladesh is self-sufficient in food production through intensive agricultural research, the price of imported fertilisers and shipping logistics has soared.
Key Areas of Bilateral Cooperation
| Sector | Nature of Proposed Cooperation |
| Renewable Energy | Technical exchange and investment in sustainable power solutions. |
| Telecommunications | Expanding the footprint of Nokia and 5G infrastructure. |
| Hi-Tech Parks | Direct investment by Finnish technology firms in special economic zones. |
| Humanitarian Aid | Continued Finnish support for the Rohingya through UN channels. |
| Agriculture | Knowledge sharing to mitigate the impact of global supply chain disruptions. |
Prime Minister Hasina concluded the meeting by reiterating Bangladesh’s foreign policy principle: “Friendship to all, malice towards none.” She emphasised that for the nation to reach its full developmental potential, the continued support and partnership of developed nations like Finland remain indispensable.