We’d never ask Bangladesh ‘to make a choice’: Australian envoy

Australia respects Bangladesh's independent foreign policy and would never ask to make a choice as far as regional geopolitics is concerned, said Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Jeremy Bruer, at a DCAB (Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh) talk held virtually today.

In response to a journalist's question on whether Australia was okay with Bangladesh's policy to seek economic cooperation from China, the high commissioner said, "We would never ask people to make a choice." 

The envoy said Australia fully respects Bangladesh's independent foreign policy introduced by Bangabandhu. Australia has previously benefited from China's economic growth and hopes that all countries of the region can do the same.

Asked about the kind of security cooperation Australia is seeking from Bangladesh, Bruer said Australia and Bangladesh share vast sea resources and would work together to harness the possibilities.

He mentioned that the sea resources must be accessed in a sustainable way.

He said Bangladesh has been a very responsible nation regarding international security, including its active involvement in sending peacekeepers in large numbers to UN missions. Australia and Bangladesh can collaborate on this front too.

Australia is part of the Quad, which also comprises USA, Japan, and India -- perceived as an alliance to counter China.

Jeremy Bruer also stated that the Quad is not an alliance, but a forum to share ideas for the prosperity and resilience of the region. At this stage, Covid cooperation, vaccination, and other regional challenges are being discussed.