As the 50th anniversary of the treaty approached, the strong alliance between France and Germany has expanded beyond the European Union to Bangladesh. The world's first combined Franco-German embassy is currently being built in Dhaka. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka together on Monday for a daylong visit aimed at strengthening relations. This visit comes prior to the November climate conference in Paris, and they will also participate in the significant topping-off ceremony of the joint embassy being constructed in Baridhara. The first embassy to be jointly built and operated by France and Germany worldwide is being constructed, according to German Ambassador in Dhaka Thomas Prinz. The building's external structure will feature differently colored facade elements to symbolize the close ties between the two countries. Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali described the upcoming visit by his counterparts as "historic" and would be accompanying them to the southern Patuakhali district to observe projects addressing climate change. The foreign ministry officials announced their plans to attend a working lunch hosted by Ali at the state guest house Padma, followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban. They would depart from Dhaka in the evening after participating in the topping-off ceremony at the new joint embassy. The German ambassador explained that the idea for the joint embassy project originated from the 'joint declaration' made during the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Elysée Treaty in January 2004. The declaration emphasized the decision to construct a joint embassy in order to enhance the diplomatic and consular services of both countries. The foundation stone for the embassy was laid in 2013 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty. The Elysée Treaty, serving as a symbol of reconciliation, set the stage for a strong Franco-German partnership based on friendship and cooperation. Ambassador Prinz emphasized Germany's commitment to the European Union and highlighted the importance of shared values and unity in diversity. He also stressed the significance of the Franco-German friendship in maintaining a successful European Union. Both France and Germany showed support for Bangladesh during its 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan. Germany stands as Bangladesh's largest single-country trading partner in the EU, providing duty-free market access for all products. France and Germany are collaborating with Bangladesh on a range of international issues such as sustainable development, climate change preparedness, culture, and human rights. The visit is also important on a global scale, as the German envoy emphasized that many challenges are becoming increasingly complex and international in nature. He highlighted the need for global unity in order to successfully combat climate change, stating that only through a united international community can we hope to address this major challenge by negotiating a ambitious, comprehensive, and legally binding agreement at the climate conference in Paris in December.