Will support Afghans with food, medical assistance: Bangladesh tells OIC

Bangladesh would support the Afghan people through humanitarian aid package in the form of food and medicinal assistance.

This has been conveyed by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen during the 17th Extraordinary Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC on Afghanistan, held on December 18 in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The foreign secretary is leading a high-level delegation which includes Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to OIC, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan and the Director-General of International Organization, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the Council meeting, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen expressed deep concern on economic and humanitarian crisis looming on the larger part of the Afghan population due to acute shortage of food, shelter and social services which may further worsen as winter approaches.

He hoped that inclusive socio-economic development of Afghanistan will continue uninterrupted, so that all segments of the society can effectively contribute to the rebuilding process of their country and maintain regional harmony.

Foreign Secretary Momen also remarked that Bangladesh can be a partner in Afghanistan's developmental process as the former seeks to enhance regional cooperation for attainment of a vision of shared prosperity for the region.

While appreciating the OIC for calling for this extraordinary council, he urged the leaders to intensify cooperation within and beyond the organisation in support to the Afghan people.

Bangladesh also reiterated its support to the Palestinian cause for an independent and viable state with East Jerusalem as the capital.

The Extraordinary Council of Foreign Ministers was preceded by a Senior Officials Meeting. Earlier, Foreign Secretary inaugurated the Bangabandhu Corner at the High Commission premises in Islamabad.