Bangladesh wants to have greater interaction with ASEAN and become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner since there are vibrant trade relations with some of the countries of the southeast Asian regional bloc.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen made this communication to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno L P Marsudi during a telephone call on Wednesday, according to a foreign ministry statement.

The Indonesian foreign minister, while expressing her support for Bangladesh's candidature, suggested for fostering a greater engagement with the member countries of the ASEAN in this regards.

Noting with satisfaction the rising trend in bilateral trade and commerce between the two countries, Foreign Minister Momen emphasised on an expeditious conclusion of the proposed preferential trade agreement this year.

He also stressed on reducing the imbalance existing in the bilateral trade by increasing Indonesian imports from Bangladesh.

In response, Marsudi noted that Bangladesh-Indonesia bilateral relations was growing from strength to strength and laid importance on further political and economic collaboration for taking the relations to a newer level. 

Momen thanked Indonesia for its humanitarian support extended to the Rohingyas and sought political support on the repatriation issue.

He requested for Indonesia's and ASEAN's continued support in bringing about a sustainable and permanent solution to this protracted crisis.