"We’re now committed to their voluntary repatriation to their homeland as soon as Myanmar will create the conducive environment for their safe return," said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday.
He conveyed this to Special Envoy of Prime Minister and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Nguyen Quoc Dzung during a meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the afternoon.
With reference to the Rohingya crisis, the Foreign Minister informed the Deputy Foreign Minister that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had saved lives of thousands of Myanmar residents from the Rakhine State (Rohingyas) temporarily sheltering them within Bangladesh border.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen requested Viet Nam to play an active role to get ASEAN more seized with Rohingya issue and promote dialogue among their members vis-à-vis Myanmar to curb out an early resolution of the crisis.
Otherwise, he said, the whole region will have to face a threat of instability and insecurity causing deterrence to economic growth.
Quoc Dzung appreciated the kind gesture, generosity of Prime Minister for saving the lives of the 8,00,000 Rohingyas.
He then explained reasons of their voting against Rohingya issues at the UN as a policy of interference and not supporting any issues brought against any specific country.
He, however, indicated the possibility of revising their position on Rohingya issues in the future.
Quoc Dzung informed that the government of Viet Nam will contribute US$ 50,000 as the humanitarian assistance for the ill-fated Rohingya and US$ 50,000 for World Food Program in Bangladesh.
The Foreign Minister appreciated the revised position of Vietnam on Rohingya issues and expressed intention for a collaborative approach from now on.
The Deputy Foreign Minister of Vietnam congratulated Foreign Minister Dr Momen on behalf of his government.
He reaffirmed his government’s willingness to work closely with the new Bangladesh government.
The Foreign Minister recalled the historic and gallantry contribution of the two great leaders Ho Chi Minh and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman towards the freedom and prosperity of Vietnam and Bangladesh respectively.
He also mentioned that both the countries share similar history of struggle for independence.
The Foreign Minister praised Vietnam and its dynamic people for the tremendous economic success.
Mentioning trade between Bangladesh and Vietnam reaching close to US$ 1 (One) billion by the year 2018, he proposed Vietnam side to positively consider importing our pharmaceuticals, leather & leather products, and ships to fill the trade gap between two countries.
The Deputy Foreign Minister assured Bangladesh of conveying this message to the appropriate authorities in Vietnam.
He informed that Viet Nam is working with diligence to hold the 2nd Foreign Office Consultation and the 2nd meeting of the Joint Committee on Trade this year.
Recalling that China became member of the G77 group (G77+China) during the chairmanship of Bangladesh which brought about significant changes to the group, the Foreign Minister requested Vietnam to positively consider the intention of Bangladesh to become a member of Asean during their chairmanship in 2020.
Quoc Dzung invited the Foreign Minister to visit Vietnam at an earliest convenience.