Dhaka, Sept. 22 -- France is watching Bangladesh's Airbus negotiations closely, with Ambassador Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet describing the talks as a test of Dhaka's appetite for a long-term partnership with Europe.

He made the remarks in response to a question during a discussion organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Saying he was not yet "concerned" about the Airbus sale as discussions and negotiations with the government are still ongoing, the ambassador said: "I am insisting on a level playing field, and this is a message that we are also giving to the current government. Because we believe this is essential."

"I think this is a good test for the current government, and we have co...