Bangladesh for 'free, inclusive' Indo-Pacific region
Dhaka announces ahead of PM's 15-day visit to Japan, the US and UK
Bangladesh today announced its Indo-Pacific Outlook stressing on a free, open, peaceful, secure and inclusive Indo-Pacific region for the shared prosperity of all.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam presented the outlook on the Indo-Pacific today, a day before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina begins a 15-day visit to Japan, the US and UK.
Dhaka considered four principles as foundation of the Indo-Pacific Outlook that include Bangladesh's foreign policy dictum – 'Friendship towards all, malice toward none', principles of respect for national sovereignty and equality, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs of other countries.
Besides, the Outlook also wants peaceful settlement of international disputes, respect for international law and the principles enunciated in the UN Charter; and striving for renunciation of the use of force in international relations and for general and complete disarmament.
It also believes in the adherence to the relevant UN treaties and international conventions, as applicable, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and constructive regional and international cooperation for sustainable development, international peace and security, humanitarian action, and fundamental rights and freedoms.
"Being a littoral State of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh considers the stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific to be a crucial factor in realizing her 'Vision 2041'," said Shahriar Alam at a briefing at the foreign ministry today.
Under "Vision 2041", Bangladesh aims to build a modern, knowledge-based developed country by 2041
He said the Indo-Pacific area's collective share in global GDP, preponderance in international trade, enhanced climate action and growing technological dynamism can be key determinants for ensuring Bangladesh's long-term resilience and prosperity.