Bangladesh and Algeria have set in motion a government-to-government (G2G) initiative for long-term imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fertiliser, a move both sides said would take bilateral commercial ties to a new level.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed the plan after meeting Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdelouahab Saidani on Monday. The meeting was held in the minister's office at the Secretariat.

The minister said Bangladesh would import LNG and fertiliser from Algeria under the G2G framework.

He also urged Algeria to widen the trade basket in Dhaka's favour, saying Algiers could increase imports of Bangladeshi garments and pharmaceutical products. 

He further called on Algeria to take skilled workers from Bangladesh, including doctors and nurses.

Beyond trade and energy, the two sides discussed maintaining peace and order, security cooperation, preventing and combating human trafficking, migration management, and expanding economic and commercial ties.

They laid particular emphasis on specialised training to improve the efficiency and professionalism of security forces, joint workshops, and the exchange of legislative support.

Recalling that Algeria was the first Arab country to recognise Bangladesh after its independence in 1971, the ambassador voiced his country's strong interest in further strengthening the historic and friendly relationship.

Referring to the invitation extended by Bangladesh's prime minister to the Algerian president to visit Dhaka, the home minister said Bangladesh was pleased that the Algerian president had accepted it.

He stressed fixing a mutually convenient diplomatic date for the visit.

At the end of the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening and strengthening cooperation in security, trade and bilateral diplomatic relations.