Foreign Affairs State Minister Humayun Kabir has stressed the need to strengthen international cooperation and multilateral partnerships to improve the global health system and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He made the remarks during a meeting with World Health Organization (WHO) Bangladesh Representative Dr Ahmed Jamshid Mohammad at the State Minister’s office in Dhaka on Wednesday.

A press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two sides discussed various issues of mutual interest.

The meeting placed particular emphasis on strengthening public health systems, ensuring health security, preventing diseases and expanding cooperation to ensure access to essential healthcare services for all.

Humayun Kabir praised the WHO’s continued cooperation and support for Bangladesh in developing the country’s health sector and addressing various public health challenges.

He said expanding international cooperation and effective multilateral partnerships are essential not only to advance health-sector goals but also to accelerate progress toward achieving the SDGs.

During the meeting, the WHO Bangladesh representative briefed the State Minister on the organisation’s ongoing activities and future plans in Bangladesh, including health system strengthening, capacity building, disease surveillance and preparedness for public health emergencies.

Both sides expressed firm commitment to further strengthening cooperation between Bangladesh and the WHO. They also agreed to maintain close coordination on issues of common interest at the national, regional and international levels.