Ukraine war a ‘wake-up call

The US will bolster security in the Indo-Pacific region as threats are evolving, said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas yesterday, while terming Russia's invasion of Ukraine a wake-up call.

"We will work with Bangladesh and other partners to ensure the region's seas and skies are governed and used according to international law," he said at a conference.

The conference was jointly organised by the US Embassy in Dhaka and the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies of Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) at the latter's auditorium.

"Russia's brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is a wake-up call to the world. These ideals cannot be taken for granted; rather, they must be defended," Haas said.

The goal of defending the ideals is not to keep any country down, but to protect the rights of all countries to choose their own path free from coercion and intimidation, added the envoy.

He went on to call for advancing a free, open, secure and international rules-based Indo-Pacific region, which has become the focus of the world powers for trade and strategic reasons.

About 65 percent of the world's energy is transported through this part of the ocean and two-thirds of the world GDP is generated in the region.

Climate crisis, global health and the future of technology will run through the Indo-Pacific this century, according to Haas, who took up his post last month.

The Indo-Pacific Strategy of the US is neither a military alliance nor a contest between a US-centric region or a China-centric region. It is also not designed to make anyone choose between countries, he said.

The US is developing a comprehensive Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which will include shared objectives in key areas: climate and clean energy, fair trade facilitation, resilient supply chains, and the digital economy.

Noting Bangladesh's strong economic growth and entrepreneurial spirit, he said Washington is committed to working with Dhaka to build an attractive investment environment and support American investors to enter new sectors here.

He noted that Bangladesh has set example to the world by committing to the peaceful resolution of its land and maritime border disputes. Also, Bangladesh is a committed leader to regional cooperation through BIMSTEC, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, Saarc, Colombo Plan.

The US will seek closer security cooperation with partners to tackle challenges ranging from violent extremism to illegal fishing to human trafficking, said the envoy, while citing the 10 Metal Shark boats and 10 Defender Class boats provided by the US to Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard last year as a case in point.

Addressing the discussion, Gabriele Visentin, the EU special envoy for the Indo-Pacific, said the unprovoked and unjustified Russian aggression has led to the rise in commodity prices, disrupted supply chains and undermined stability.

Visentin lauded Bangladesh's support for the humanitarian cause for Ukraine at the UN General Assembly, saying it has strengthened international efforts for peace and stability.

Bangladesh has an important role to play for a free, open and interconnected Indo-Pacific, he said, while praising Bangladesh's increasing role in international diplomacy.

He stressed on bolstering the growth of the region and digital technology, green and sustainable infrastructure will be important.

The EU looks at Bangladesh as a partner for closely working on joint projects and advancing connectivity in the Indo-Pacific region, he said.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen in a video message said Bangladesh believes in a free and open Indo-Pacific region and an international rules-based system.

Bangladesh is eager to harness the potential of the blue economy, he said, while seeking the support of all.

Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and Foreign Ministry Secretary (West) Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury also spoke at the discussion moderated by Tariq Karim, director of the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies.