Dhaka for ‘free, inclusive’ Indo-Pacific region
Bangladesh said it wants a free, open, peaceful, secure and inclusive Indo-Pacific region for the shared prosperity of all as it announced its 15-point Indo-Pacific Outlook yesterday.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam presented the outlook on the Indo-Pacific at a press briefing yesterday, a day before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina begins her 15-day visit to Japan, the US and the UK.
Bangladesh's position in the Indo-Pacific carries much significance in the regional and global arena as the region is the focus of the world powers.
The US, EU, Canada, France, Japan, ASEAN and some other countries already launched their visions on the Indo-Pacific. The US's Indo-Pacific Strategy is termed by many experts as meant to counter China, which has its global project -- titled "Belt and Road Initiative" -- joined by Bangladesh in 2016.
Bangladesh maintains a non-aligned position and opposes joining any defence alliance but aims to build a modern, knowledge-based developed country by 2041 under the "Vision 2041".
We want to foster cooperation among Indo-Pacific countries, collaborate with sub-regional partners, keeping with the vision of Smart Bangladesh.
Shahriar Alam said Dhaka considered four principles as the foundation of the Indo-Pacific Outlook that include Bangladesh's foreign policy dictum -- "Friendship towards all, malice toward none", respect for national sovereignty and equality, political independence, and 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 realising her 'Vision 2041'," said Shahriar Alam at a briefing at the foreign ministry yesterday.
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.
Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh wants to promote open, transparent and rules-based multilateral systems, facilitate the movement of goods and connectivity, and promote dialogue and peace, along with sustainable use of maritime resources.
"We want to foster cooperation among Indo-Pacific countries, collaborate with sub-regional partners, keeping with the vision of Smart Bangladesh," he added.
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