foreign minister
Want security in the region but no defence pact: Momen on Indo-Pacific Strategy
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the goals set out for the Indo-Pacific region are not much different from Bangladesh’s, but the only concern is about its defence aspect, if any.
“Only thing we are afraid of — if it is designed for a defence pact, because we are a peace-loving country. We don’t have any intention (to fight against anyone). We would like to see development in the whole region. We want security (in the region) but no defence pact,” he said.
Momen made the remarks while responding to a question during a conversation on economic diplomacy with a focus on growth and development.
The Onero Institute partnered with the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center for the session held at the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University this week.
Read more: US urged to create “safe protection zone” in Myanmar to facilitate Rohingya repatriation
The dialogue was moderated by the senior director of the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center, Irfan Nooruddin.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh does not have any disagreements on the issue and it also wants open, free, secure and freely navigable Indo-Pacific under the international laws.
He said Bangladesh wants economic development in the whole Indo-Pacific region and finds many things in common with the goals set up. “We don’t have much difference. We believe the next century is for Asia and the Indo-Pacific provides an opportunity and potential.”
Responding to a question on India-US-China, Momen said the US and China have their own tensions. “The US is our old friend while we have rock-solid relations with India. China became our development partner as they have money,” he said.
Read more: Digital Security Act not for restricting media freedom, Momen tells US
He said the western countries including the US “do not come up with money but they come up with advice except for some exceptions.”
“We are very prudent in accepting loans from China. We signed agreements on a big amount but we took a very small amount. It can’t influence our policies,” Momen said while responding to another question.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh is a “hub of connectivity” and maintains very good relations with all its neighbours.
“We have resolved all critical issues with India peacefully through dialogue and discussion,” he said.
Read More: Due to BGB initiative, after 4 decades Bangladesh gets back 1 acre of disputed land on Naogaon border
“Though Myanmar is a difficult case, we don’t have any quarrel with them. We have only one difficult problem (Rohingyas),” Momen added.
He highlighted issues related to emerging Bangladesh, its socioeconomic achievements, economic partnership and prospects with the USA, economic and public diplomacy, regional development and navigating relations with major powers.
Not endorsing one political party vs another in Bangladesh: US State Dept says
While reiterating that any abuser of human rights should be held accountable, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State Vedant Patel has said, “Broadly, the U.S. supports the principle of free and fair elections in Bangladesh and around the world, but I’m not here to endorse one political candidate or party versus another.”
He was speaking at a regular briefing in Washington.
"It’s our immense hope that the Bangladesh Government does look into the contents of this article and video (DW documentary on RAB)," Patel said.
He said as per their assessment, the Digital Security Act is "one of the world’s most draconian laws" for journalists.
Read: US State Department ‘deeply concerned over use of Digital Security Act’
World Press Freedom Index ranked Bangladesh 162 out of 180 countries, a drop of 10 places from the previous year, Patel said.
"And we have made our concerns about this law quite clear. A free press and an informed citizenry are key for any nation and its democratic future," he said.
The US Embassy in Dhaka shared updates on the briefing today.
Read: PM Hasina to visit Japan on April 25-28
Petal said they want to and are looking forward to deepening their relationship with Bangladesh.
That’s why, he said, Secretary Blinken met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
"We, again, are looking forward to deepening our relationship with Bangladesh as a whole," he added.
Read more; Pranay Verma highlights “deep bonds of friendship, cooperation” with Bangladesh
US wants Bangladesh to set a strong example of free, fair election
The United States has reiterated its desire to see a free and fair election in Bangladesh, noting that the world will be observing Bangladesh’s next national election.
“Of course, we’re looking – the world is looking – to Bangladesh for its next election, to make sure that they set a strong example of free and fair election for the region and for the world,” US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken said during his meeting with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen in Washington on Monday afternoon (US time).
Appreciating Bangladesh’s engagement with the USA, Blinken said they are committed to working together to find ways to further “strengthen and deepen” the robust relationship, and to address economic development and human rights as well.
He said the US deeply appreciates Bangladesh’s remarkable generosity in hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in the country and assured to continue work towards repatriation of the Rohingyas.
The Secretary of State highlighted the nearly $2.1 billion in US humanitarian assistance since 2017, which includes $23.8 million in new assistance to the World Food Programme to deliver urgent food and nutrition services to Rohingya refugees.
He reiterated US’ commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth, free and fair elections, human and labor rights, and freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
Additionally, Secretary Blinken expressed concerns about violence against and intimidation of the media and civil society, including under the Digital Security Act, said Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel.
He underscored that free and fair elections and respect for human rights in Bangladesh are critical as they seek to deepen our bilateral relationship.
While briefing the media after the meeting, Momen said Bangladesh, like the US, also wants a free, fair and ideal election.
“Democracy is in our blood. People gave blood to uphold democracy, justice and human dignity,” he said, seeking help from the US for a free and fair election.
Momen highlighted the independent Election Commission and measures taken for holding the election transparently.
The foreign minister agreed with his US counterpart on the importance of a free and fair elections and reaffirmed the commitment of Bangladesh government in this regard.
He said Bangladesh welcomes US observers but not any “partisan observers”.
“All opposition parties must come forward to help in holding a free and fair election. We are creating an environment for a free fair election.”
Momen said he handed over a letter from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina — addressed to US President Joe Biden — to Secretary Blinken.
“We are proud of the partnership,” he said, adding that he is in Washington to strengthen and solidify the relationship.
Momen said Bangladesh wants to improve its ties with the United States towards a stronger trade relationship in the next 50 years.
“Bangladesh has a multifaceted, dynamic and wide ranging relationship with the US. Over the last 50 years we have done very well. We look forward to the next 50 years,” he said.
“We achieved all with your support and active partnership and we are proud of your partnership and we look beyond, so that we can have better days in future. I am here to strengthen and solidify our relationship,” Momen added.
Bangladesh raised the issue of Rashed Chowdhury, a convicted killer of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who lives freely in the United States.
Momen hoped that the US will not be a shelter for killers and will hand over Rashed to Bangladesh as it wants to establish the rule of law in the country.
Blinken said the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States has grown tremendously over the last 50 years, particularly in the economic aspect.
He also mentioned people-to-people ties and said the two countries have been doing more together recently — from climate change to health.
Foreign Minister Momen called upon the United States to take advantage of the generous investment regime of Bangladesh and encourage the US private sector to invest in special economic zones and hi-tech parks in Bangladesh.
Momen thanked the US government for their generous support in combating COVID-19 pandemic and continued humanitarian support for the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh.
He stressed the need for sustained international pressure on Myanmar for creating environment for voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Bangladesh and the United States have expressed their eagerness to further bolster bilateral ties for the next 50 years, building on the solid foundation of the past 50 years.
Terming Bangladesh-US relationship wide-ranging, dynamic and multifaceted, Momen hoped to develop, strengthen and solidify the ties.
He thanked President Joe Biden for his warm message to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of the Independence Day of Bangladesh, which the US President ended with “Joy Bangla”.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed various bilateral and other issues of mutual interest, including strengthening and diversifying economic partnership, addressing Rohingya crisis and climate change, labour rights, civil liberty, and elections.
Apprising the US secretary of state of the ongoing and completed works in labour sector reforms in Bangladesh, the foreign minister hoped that these efforts would be duly acknowledged and appreciated through stronger economic partnership between the two countries.
Blinken lauded the ongoing US-Bangladesh consultative process in improving labour situation in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran, Deputy Head of Mission Ferdousi Shahriar, Director General (North America) Khandker Masudul Alam, and officials of the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the meeting.
Counselor Derek Chollet, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Ms. Julieta Valls Noyes, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Ms. Kara McDonald, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Afreen Akhter accompanied Secretary Blinken in the meeting.
US is our biggest friend: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday (April 05, 2023) said the United States is Bangladesh’s biggest friend, one of the biggest investors and export destinations.
Momen is set to leave for the US on April 7 where he is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Washington on April 10.
“America is the only country who provided 100 million vaccines for free during the Covid-19 pandemic. They even supported us the most after the Rohingya influx. Other countries have helped us as well. But I’ll express gratitude when I meet him,” Momen said while addressing the media after a comic book unveiling in the capital.
Read More: Countries are reluctant to share information about money launderers: Momen
He said he would visit the US this time as the US Secretary of State has invited him.
“Of course, we’re very lucky to get invited three times in a row,” he said.
When asked what will be discussed in the meeting with the US Secretary of State, Momen said that the Rohingya issue and bilateral trade will come up.
Replying to a question about the US concern regarding democracy in Bangladesh, the foreign minister said: “We fought for democracy. Three million people gave their lives to uphold democracy and human rights. Therefore, we don't need lessons on democracy,” he said.
Read More: Sultana Jesmin’s death in RAB custody won’t impact Bangladesh-US relations: Momen
“We want a fair election. America also wants a fair election. We don't disagree with that. We have already made necessary institutional arrangements to ensure a free and fair election,” the minister said.
Momen said the US has agreed to scale up the resettlement process for vulnerable Rohingya refugees.
“While many nations have scaled back their financial support for the Rohingya refugees, the US has not done so as of yet. We're also talking to them about a variety of issues. We’re also engaging them on a number of issues,” he said.
Read More: Momen urges vigilance against anti-Bangladesh disinformation campaign
Foreign Minister reiterates govt’s commitment to hold free and fair election during meeting with UNRC
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has reiterated the government’s strong commitment to hold a free and fair election.
He also underscored Bangladesh’s continued cooperation with the UN and the international community on human rights issues, including the recent visits of a number of UN Special Procedure mandate holders to Bangladesh.
UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis met Foreign Minister Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday and discussed the ongoing democratic process in Bangladesh including the next National Election.
They also discussed major upcoming events in the UN, including the SDG Summit.
Also read: No need for UN cooperation in election: Foreign Minister
The UNRC informed that the UN is looking forward to extending further support to Bangladesh in realizing the SDGs, especially in some priority areas to be determined by Bangladesh.
During the meeting, discussion was held, among others, on the Rohingya situation.
The Foreign Minister called upon the UN, specially the UNHCR, to assist Bangladesh in the ongoing efforts for the repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas.
Discussion was also held on possible ways and means to raise funds for humanitarian assistance for Rohingyas as per the Joint Response Plan 2023.
Momen also asked for UN’s further engagement in the humanitarian operations at Bhashan Char.
The UNRC informed about the UN Secretary General’s new initiative ensuring early warning for natural disasters, and expressed willingness to work with thd Bangladesh Government in this regard.
Gwyn Lewis also discussed the recently concluded LDC5 Summit in Doha, and expressed hope that the cooperation between Bangladesh and the UN on LDC issues would continue.
Argentina’s foreign minister in Dhaka to reopen embassy, deepen ties
Argentina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Santiago Andrés Cafiero arrived in Dhaka this morning to inaugurate the South American country’s new embassy here and deepen trade and cultural relations.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen received him at the VIP Lounge of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his arrival in Dhaka.
Argentina is reopening its embassy here after 45 years.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam will join with the Argentine foreign minister to inaugurate the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Banani this afternoon.
US wants stronger relationship with Bangladesh, leaving aside ‘misunderstandings’: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today said the United States wants to establish a stronger relationship with Bangladesh, leaving aside the “misunderstandings”.
“They (US) consider Bangladesh to be of importance. They want good relations with us where new possibilities are created,” Momen told reporters in Sylhet, adding that yesterday (February 15, 2023) was a “great day for Bangladesh.”
Referring to important discussions with senior diplomats from India, USA and South Korea, Momen said they all appreciated Bangladesh’s efforts and made a commitment to continue working for deeper relations.
Bangladesh has seen a series of visits by senior US officials in recent months with the last by US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, before the arrival of Counselor of the US Department of State, Derek Chollet.
“We had a very good discussion. They came to strengthen relations,” Momen said.
On Wednesday, Chollet said they remain “hopeful” about future relations with Bangladesh – building on the strong partnership that has developed over 51 years.
Read more: ‘Whatever you need, let us know’: Momen tells Turkish counterpart
“We are hopeful for the future. It has been 51 years of a very strong partnership. We are looking forward to the next 51 years and beyond. We have many shared challenges but we have many common opportunities that we have talked about today,” he told reporters after his meeting with Foreign Minister Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The US State Department counselor said that the US places considerable importance on its relationship with Bangladesh, which is growing politically, economically and in terms of security.
‘Whatever you need, let us know’: Momen tells Turkish counterpart
Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen had a telephone conversation yesterday (February 15, 2023) with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu to express solidarity with the government and people of Turkey, and to assure of additional support.
Momen conveyed to the Turkish foreign minister that Bangladesh is sending additional 10,000 tents, with the initial 2000, to Turkey for earthquake victims, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He also requested his Turkish counterpart to let Bangladesh know if they need anything else, adding that Bangladesh wants to send construction workers for reconstruction efforts in the affected areas.
Momen again expressed condolences for the loss of lives caused by the earthquakes and pledged support for Turkish people.
Also read: Vinay Kwatra’s visit to add momentum to Dhaka-Delhi ties, India hopes
“We are truly devastated by the scale of destruction and deaths. We express our wholehearted condolence and also, as your brother, we will try to assist you as much as we can. This is a great shock to all of us in Bangladesh,” he told his Turkish counterpart during the phone call.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu thanked Momen for calling and also thanked the government of Bangladesh – including the president, the prime minister, speaker of the parliament and the foreign minister – and the people for their sincere messages of condolence and solidarity.
Thanking the Bangladesh government for sending search, rescue and medical teams and tents, he said these are what they urgently need at this moment.
Foreign Minister Momen wanted to know about the current situation and his Turkish counterpart stated that the situation is not stable yet, and it is worse than what people are seeing on TV.
Read More: Rising toll makes quake deadliest in Turkey's modern history
“We lost more than 35,000 people and there are people under the rubbles that we couldn’t reach. We are doing our best to normalize life, to provide temporary shelter, and also, we are planning the reconstruction of the region affected by the earthquakes,” said the Turkish foreign minister.
He also expressed concerns about the Bangladeshi citizens who were wounded and wished them quick recovery.
Momen said two Bangladeshi students have been rescued from debris and they are doing fine.
Offering Bangladesh’s support, Momen said, “We can send the construction workers. And whatever you need, let us know and we will try our best.”
Read More: Bangladesh team rescues one alive, recovers 22 bodies so far in Turkey
“If we need anything else, we will reach out without hesitation,” the Turkish foreign minister responded, as quoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 earthquakes that struck nine hours apart in south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria rose to 33,185 and was certain to increase as search teams find more bodies.
Bangladesh likely to get back the money borrowed by Sri Lanka: FM
Bangladesh is expected to get back the money borrowed by Sri Lanka by September this year as the country's economic situation is improving.
"Sri Lanka is gradually doing better. They are recovering slowly. We have given them time till September (to repay the loan)," Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters at state guesthouse Padma on Sunday (February 05, 2023) afternoon, hoping for repayment by Sri Lanka within the timeframe.
The Foreign Minister, who returned home Sunday from Sri Lanka, said the new government in Sri Lanka is running the country “pretty well”.
The Sri Lankan government hopes that they will recover from the problem and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is coming up for support, Momen said.
Also read: FM likely to visit New Delhi March 1-2
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has conveyed Sri Lanka's gratitude to the Bangladesh government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the timely assistance as the country battles to rebuild its economy.
“I must say they are very grateful to us,” said Foreign Minister Momen.Foreign Minister Momen visited Sri Lanka as a guest for the country's 75th Independence Day celebrations, for which the guest list was filled up mostly by neighbouring countries at foreign minister-level.
Sri Lanka and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently reached a staff-level agreement on a 48-month, $2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility which will also help it secure short-term funds from other donors.
Bangladesh Bank earlier granted Sri Lanka six more months to repay the $200 million loan after the Island nation requested to extend the repayment period due to its prolonged economic crisis.
Read More: Sri Lanka thanks Bangladesh for timely assistance on road to recovery
In a friendly gesture, Bangladesh had extended the loan to cash-strapped Sri Lanka under a currency swap arrangement in 2021.
Sri Lanka and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently reached a staff-level agreement on a 48-month, $2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility which will also help it secure short-term funds from other donors.
Bangladesh Bank earlier granted Sri Lanka six more months to repay the $200 million loan after the Island nation requested to extend the repayment period due to its prolonged economic crisis.
In a friendly gesture, Bangladesh had extended the loan to cash-strapped Sri Lanka under a currency swap arrangement in 2021.
Also read: FM Momen to join Sri Lanka's 75th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo
FM Momen to join Sri Lanka's 75th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will join Sri Lanka's 75th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo on February 4.
He reached Colombo on Thursday, said an official, adding that he will have a number of meetings apart from joining the Independence Day programmes there.
Sri Lankan State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon received Foreign Minister Dr Momen upon his arrival in Colombo.
The main ceremony of the National Independence Day celebrations will be held on February 4 at 8.30 am at Galle Face Green under the patronage of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
Earlier, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has given out instructions to celebrate the 75th Independence Day “with pride at minimal cost” and with the new reformist programme for the next 25 years.
Read More: Bangladesh's Nur Khan among winners of US' Global Human Rights Defender Award
The Foreign Minister is likely to meet the Sri Lankan President and Prime Minister apart from his meeting with Sri Lankan Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry during his stay in Colombo.
Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Bimala Rai Paudyal will also join the celebrations and is likely to have a meeting with Minister Momen.
As part of the 75th Independence Day celebration, a number of programmes are scheduled to be held from February 2 to 19.
Read More: Bangladesh playing a critical, life-saving role in responding to climate-related disasters: Gwyn Lewis
“We must celebrate the 75th Independence Anniversary; otherwise, the world will say that we are not capable of even celebrating our independence. Similarly, we need to attract tourists and investors to our country. We need to build a positive image of our country. Therefore, let us minimize our expenditure and celebrate our Day of Independence,” Sri Lankan media quoted President Ranil Wickremesinghe as saying.
Read More: Dhaka urges Riyadh to consider crude or refined oil on deferred payment basis.