During Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s first state visit to Malaysia, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation across nine major sectors, including trade, investment, technology, labor, education, defense, and regional collaboration. The announcement came at a press conference following the 18-hour visit, where Rahman held bilateral meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and met King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

A 33-point joint statement was issued outlining the areas of cooperation, such as political ties, digital economy, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and worker welfare. Discussions also focused on reopening Malaysia’s labor market for Bangladeshi workers, ensuring transparency, safety, and low recruitment costs. Both sides agreed to advance talks on a free trade agreement and expand collaboration in AI, cybersecurity, and modern technology.

The visit also covered education partnerships, defense training, and counterterrorism cooperation. Malaysia expressed support for Bangladesh’s role in ASEAN and potential inclusion in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. A memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation and two exchanges of notes on investment and counterterrorism were signed, marking a new phase in bilateral relations.