ISLAMABAD: Italy has pledged full support for Bangladesh's democratic transition and the July Charter reform agenda, an Italian deputy minister said on Tuesday, following talks with the country's interim leader, the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported.
Italian Undersecretary for Defence Matteo Perego di Cremnago made the remarks during a courtesy call with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna, BSS said, citing the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
According to BSS, the two sides discussed trade and defence cooperation, migration, the upcoming general elections, European Union election observation, and the July Charter.
"Italy sees the Indo-Pacific region as the new center of global gravity and seeks to strengthen relations with countries in the region, including Bangladesh's growing economy," Perego said, highlighting potential areas for closer cooperation.
Perego noted that while the Bangladeshi community has integrated well in Italy, concerns remain over illegal migration through the Mediterranean route.
Professor Yunus emphasized the need to expand legal migration pathways to developed nations with aging populations, such as Italy and Japan. He reaffirmed his commitment to holding "free, fair, transparent, and festive" elections on Feb. 12, BSS said.
Recalling long-standing ties with Italy, he said that before taking office as interim leader, he had helped design the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics as a social business event.
The chief adviser praised the EU for deploying a large observer mission to monitor the vote and said he expects strong voter turnout, particularly among young people who were unable to participate in what he termed "fake elections" during 16 years of "fascist autocratic regime" rule.
Professor Yunus sought Italy's continued support for Bangladesh's democratic transition and enhanced cooperation in defence, trade, and investment.
.jpg)