Dhaka, March 22 -- Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney has said Bangladesh will get Ireland as a friend in the European Union (EU) and the two countries are willing to build a "closer and more structured cooperation" in broader areas.

"What I would say is that Bangladesh should see Ireland as a friend in the European Union that can raise issues for them, potentially work with them and if they're trying to work through some difficult issues with the European Commission," he told UNB in an exclusive interview before wrapping up his two-day official visit to Dhaka this week.

The Irish minister said Bangladesh is going to receive a transition period from 2026 to 2029, and then Bangladesh will be looking for GSP...