PM flies to Jakarta today
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leaves for Jakarta this morning to attend jubilant celebrations of a conference that eventually laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement.
Indonesia is hosting the 60th anniversary of the Asia-Africa Conference as well as the 10th anniversary of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership in Jakarta and Bandung from April 19-24.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said the three-day visit would bring opportunities for the PM to exchange views with leaders from Asian and African countries on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
“The visit symbolises Bangladesh's continued support and commitment in strengthening cooperation with other developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa, with the sole purpose of promoting world peace and prosperity through South-South cooperation,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Shahriar also said though the government gradually strengthened bilateral ties with African countries, there is still room for meaningful cooperation with the 54-member African Union.
Bangladeshi troops are deployed in several African countries under the UN Peacekeeping operations and they have earned commendation for their service, he said.
Considering this, Bangladesh has planned to open its mission in various African countries, the minister said, adding that the government initially plans to open embassies in Ethiopia and Nigeria.
The theme of the 60th anniversary of the Asia-Africa Conference is “Strengthening South-South Cooperation to Promote World Peace and Prosperity.” The summit aims to conclude three outcome documents.
Hasina is leading a 59-member delegation comprising ministers, MPs, civil and military officials and others, Shahriar told reporters at the foreign ministry.
Besides a seven-member business delegation will accompany the PM during the visit, but they will go at their own expense, he said.
Hasina is expected to return home on April 23.
Shahriar also said the heads of states and governments from 10 African and 18 Asian countries, including leaders of China, Japan, Brunei, Iran, Malaysia and Myanmar, would attend the conference to discuss independence, peace and economic prosperity.
On the sidelines of the conference, the PM would hold bilateral meetings with the heads of states and governments from Japan, Singapore, Nepal, Myanmar and Palestine, he added.
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