Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the United States today, where the two leaders discussed safe migration, trade cooperation, and the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

According to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, the issue of safe migration was prominently raised during the bilateral meeting, particularly in light of the growing number of Bangladeshi migrants who have lost their lives while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea en route to Italy.

“Human traffickers continue to lure Bangladeshis into dangerous sea voyages, many of which end in tragedy,” Alam told journalists at a press briefing following the meeting.

The Rohingya refugee situation also featured in the discussions. Prime Minister Meloni informed the Chief Adviser that Italy will dispatch a high-level delegation to participate in the upcoming conference on the Rohingya crisis, scheduled to take place at the United Nations headquarters in New York on September 30.

In a bid to strengthen economic ties, Professor Yunus urged enhanced trade relations between the two nations. In response, the Italian premier proposed the establishment of an Italy-Bangladesh Business Forum.

Italy also expressed its continued support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. Prime Minister Meloni is expected to visit Dhaka in December, according to the press secretary.

SMS/