We believe in free, open Indo-Pacific region
Says foreign minister
Bangladesh believes in a free and open Indo-Pacific region and an international rule-based system, and is eager to harness the potential of blue economy with support from all, said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
He made the remark in his chief guest's video message on Thursday at an international conference titled "Moving Forward in the Indo-Pacific: Bangladesh's role in fostering an open, resilient, and interconnected Bay of Bengal and beyond".
It was jointly organised by The Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies (CBoBS) of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) and the US embassy, said a press release.
US Ambassador Peter Haas said, "Bangladesh has set an example to the world by committing to the peaceful resolution of its land and maritime border disputes."
In the concluding session, Dr Gowher Rizvi, advisor to the prime minister, said, "There is enormous focus in the region and this conference is very encouraging and will strengthen US Bangladesh relationship to greater heights."
Saber Hossain Chowdhury, chair of the parliamentary standing committee on the environment ministry, said, "Our region is the fastest growing in the world, accounting for 60 percent of the global economy. And our youth has a great role in it. What happens in this region will shape the trajectory of the entire world".
Tanweer Hasan, vice-chancellor of IUB, and Tariq A Karim, director of CBoBS, also spoke at the event, among others.