The signing Ceremony of the Memorandum and Articles of Italy-Bangladesh Friendship and
Cooperation Association took place at the historic Sala (hall room) “Ex Barberia” at the Italian
Senate on 07 June 2023. Ambassador Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh witnessed the signing event which was attended by,
among others, Italian Parliamentarians, eminent citizens, members of ISIA (Italian Institute for
Asia), Honorary Consul Generals of Bangladesh in Italy and officers at the Embassy of
Bangladesh in Rome.
Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan, Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy, Montenegro & Serbia, signed the
Memorandum as a President of the Association from Bangladesh side while Mr. Marco Lacarra,
Hon’ble Member of the Parliamentary Group of Democratic Party of Italy (PD) signed the
document as a President from the Italian side. Mr. Mario Morgoni, President of ISIA assumed the
Vice President of the Association and Eng. Domenico Palmieri, Secretary General of ISIA will
act as the Director of the Association.
Ambassador Masud Bin Momen warmly congratulated the launching of the Association and
wished for its successful and smooth functioning. While narrating the impressive development
journey of Bangladesh in recent years, he said that the leadership of the Association could visit
Bangladesh to gain insights and knowledge about the present day Bangladesh which will
eventually help chart out its future course of actions to explore new areas of cooperation. While
sincerely thanking ISIA for their initiative and support, Ambassador Ahsan felt that the launching
will go a long way to supplement the government initiative to promote and expand bilateral
relations. Hon'ble Lacarra was deeply appreciative of the remarkable success of Bangladesh and
expressed his willingness to work vigorously to strengthen and widen mutual collaboration
between Bangladesh and Italy. 
It is expected that the Association will help the two friendly countries as well as their peoples to
come closer and work together in all aspects especially in the field of economy, culture, sports,
people to people contacts etc. It would also work as a common platform for Bangladesh and Italy
at a time when Bangladesh and Italy have just celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the establishment
of diplomatic relations.
As per statute, the Association will be headed by two Presidents, one Vice President and one
Director and in total 11 (eleven) Board of Members.