Dhaka: Bangladesh and South Africa on Wednesday discussed cooperation among police services, mutual legal assistances and extradition treaties, migration issues, and agreed to work on the areas.

Both the countries also discussed cooperation in transport—air services—cooperation in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, education, rural development, land reform and trade and business.

The issues were discussed at the third round of bilateral consultations between Bangladesh and South Africa held at the conference room of the ministry.

Additional Foreign Secretary Ambassador Mizanur Rahman led the Bangladesh delegation, while his counterpart Dr A Sooklal , Deputy Director General of Asia and Middle East of Department of International Relation and Cooperation led the South African delegation.

The first round of talks was held in Dhaka in 2012, while the second round in Pretoria in 2013.

At the official talks, the Bangladesh side handed over a list of 206 potential exportable products of Bangladesh for Duty Free/Quota Free access or access in lower rate in the South African market.

Both sides agreed on early finalization of some draft agreements for mutual interest: Protocol for regular Diplomatic Consultations between the two countries, Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation, Concluding Air Services Agreement establishing direct air connection between Dhaka and Johannesburg and Agreement on Visa Waiver for Diplomatic & Official Passport holders.

Besides, the Bangladesh side highlighted the need for opening a South African Mission in Dhaka to facilitate trade and business, investment, education, tourism as well as augmenting the people-to-people contact between the two friendly countries.

The South African side appreciated the proposal and assured of their consideration to open a resident Mission in Dhaka at an early date.

The meeting also decided to hold the next round of bilateral meeting in South Africa at a mutually convenient time.

Apart from the bilateral consultations, Nomaindiya Mfeketo, Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relation and Co Operation of South Africa (DIRCO), is visiting Bangladesh meeting ministers concerned.