Having strong ties with ASEAN countries a foreign policy priority: Foreign Minister
Bangladesh is keen to intensify political, trade, economic and cultural ties with the ASEAN countries, said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen today.
"Having a strong tie with the ASEAN countries is by any standard a key foreign policy priority of the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," he said while addressing a 54th ASEAN Day event organized by the ASEAN Dhaka Committee on virtual platform.
Momen said with a large manufacturing base, Bangladesh stands to be one of ASEAN's strongest partners and an attractive destination for the ASEAN investors.
He suggested that Bangladesh and ASEAN countries can forge partnership in the areas of poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, climate change, water resources management, migration, disaster management, agriculture and ICT.
On the Rohingya repatriation issue, Dr Momen said that the prolonged presence of such a huge number of displaced people entails serious ramifications for the socio-political stability of not only Bangladesh but also of the entire region including the ASEAN.
He sought intervention from the ASEAN for speedy repatriation of the Rohingyas to their motherland.
Momen also sought support from the ASEAN countries on Bangladesh's application for the status of ASEAN Sectoral Partner.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen; Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim, chair of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee; Bruneian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haji Haris Haji Othman; Indonesian Ambassador Rina P Soemarno; Myanmar Ambassador Aung Kyaw Moe; Vietnam Ambassador Pham Viet Chien; Thai Embassy Charge d' Affaires Panom Thongprayoon; Philippines Embassy Charge d' Affaires Leo Marco C. Vidal; Singapore Consulate Head of Mission Sheela Pillai and other officials from the foreign ministry and ASEAN countries also attended the discussion.
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