foreign minister
Momen inaugurates Sylhet Arts College
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen Saturday inaugurated Sylhet Arts College in Kumarpara, Sylhet city.
At the opening ceremony, the foreign minister said: "Sylhet has a long tradition of nurturing arts and culture. Sylhet Arts College will play an important role in upholding this tradition and instil the same spirit in the next generation."
"Elsewhere in the country, there are separate arts colleges and institutions for teaching music and dance. But Sylhet Arts College will offer lessons in different branches of arts and culture at the same time."
Sustainable rivers: Dhaka for 'just sharing' of waters, basin-wise river management
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said "just sharing" of waters of transboundary rivers, and basin-wise river management is essential for the sustainability of rivers.
Momen emphasised that sustainable, collaborative and meaningful cooperation are the keys to having healthy rivers and efficient riverine cooperation.
He made the remarks while delivering a special address at the inaugural session of the two-day NADI-3 (Natural Allies in Development and Interdependence) Conference that began in Guwahati, Assam Saturday.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma also spoke at the inaugural session, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Momen said rivers are the lifeline of Bangladesh and have influenced the traditions, culture, music, lifestyle and livelihood of the people.He stressed the need to maintain healthy rivers to facilitate waterway connectivity.The foreign minister said the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade which is one of the earliest instruments signed between Bangladesh and India in 1972 is significantly contributing to bilateral trade between the two countries.He also noted that the agreement on the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports for the movement of goods to and from India is another milestone of friendly relations between the countries.Taking the advantage of its unique geographical location in the region, Bangladesh is offering itself as a gateway to landlocked Nepal, Bhutan and the northeastern states of India and promoting regional connectivity and integration, Momen said.During the conference, the dignitaries, including the chief minister of Assam and the envoy of Singapore to India, lauded the action of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government for showing a "zero tolerance" approach towards terrorism and insurgency which "ultimately paved the way in establishing peace and stability in South Asia."
Later he met Assam Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi at Raj Bhaban and discussed the issues of mutual interest.
Both agreed that the Bangladesh-Assam ties is deeply rooted in history and expressed satisfaction with the existing friendly relations.
Momen underscored the need to strengthen the age-old bond between the people of Bangladesh and Assam.
Momen meets Assam chief minister
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen had talks with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati on Friday.
They discussed issues of mutual interest.
Earlier, Industries and Commerce Minister of Assam Chandra Mohan Patowary received him at the airport.
Foreign Minister Momen reached Guwahati via Kolkata today to attend the third edition of the Asian Confluence flagship dialogue NADI (Natural Allies in Development and Interdependence) Conclave – "Asian Confluence River Conclave" to be held on May 28-29.
The conclave will be inaugurated by Momen, his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar, Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, and Himanta in the presence of high commissioners and ambassadors of several countries, top experts, scientists, and other dignitaries.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the valedictory address of the conclave on May 29.
Shillong-based think tank Asian Confluence will host the event in collaboration with India's Ministry of External Affairs, the Act East Department of Assam, the North Eastern Council, and other partners.
Also read: Momen, Jaishankar to inaugurate River Conclave in Guwahati Saturday
We will do everything regarding PK Halder, says Momen after fugitive businessman's arrest in India
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday said the government would do everything necessary as per the “set procedures” regarding fugitive PK Halder who has been arrested in West Bengal.
"We have set procedures. We will work accordingly. We will do everything whatever is necessary,” he told reporters, noting that his ministry is yet to receive any information officially from the Indian government regarding Halder’s arrest.
Momen said India will first let them (Bangladesh) know that he is arrested in India and he may be punished there.
Responding to a question, he said top Ulfa leader Anup Chetia was handed over to India after trial and punishment in Bangladesh. “Same procedures are likely to be followed but I don’t know. Probably, the Ministry of Law knows better.”
Also read: Yet to receive any formal info about PK Halder: Asaduzzaman
In November 2005, Bangladesh handed over Chetia to India 18 years after his arrest in Dhaka for trespassing.
Chetia, a founding member of one of India's top insurgent groups United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa), had been in prison since his arrest in Mohammadpur on December 21, 1997 and he was released after completion of his jail term.
"We have a good intention (to get PK Halder back),” Momen said, hoping that India will listen to Bangladesh's request on a priority basis as the two countries are passing a golden era in their relations.
PK Halder, who was on the run facing charges of money laundering since 2019, was arrested by the Indian Directorate of Enforcement.
Also read: Fugitive businessman PK Halder held in India
Earlier, Foreign Minister Momen spoke as the chief guest at a session of the second National Conference on SDGs Implementation Review 2022 at Bangabandhu International Conference Center.
Momen seeks investment from CICA Member States
Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen has sought investment from the member States of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).
He held a meeting with Kairat Sarybay, the Executive Director of CICA at a city hotel on Monday.
During the meeting, Momen invited investors from CICA member states to invest in different sectors, particularly priority sectors in the Economic Zones of Bangladesh.
The current work priorities of Bangladesh regarding CICA areas of cooperation were laid out with due importance.
Also read: No proposal made to US to bring BNP to polls: Momen
Chinese, Canadian FMs hold talks over phone
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday held a phone conversation with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly at the latter's request.
During their conversation, Wang said that the people of China and Canada have enjoyed long-term friendly exchanges, noting that Canada is one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China (PRC).
However, in recent years, China-Canada relations have suffered a serious setback due to the Meng Wanzhou case, which is something we do not want to see, Wang said.
The essence of this case lies in the U.S. suppression over Chinese high-tech enterprises by coercion, a shameful behavior that everyone could see clearly, Wang said.
No country should act as a facilitator of such unilateral bullying, and any country targeted by the U.S. approach has the right to make necessary responses, he added.
Noting that China always views and handles China-Canada relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, Wang said the current situation of bilateral relations is not in the interests of both countries, calling on Canada to face up to the problems and cooperate with China. He further put forward three proposals in this regard.
Also Read: China to back military-ruled Myanmar regardless of situation
Firstly, Canada should view China objectively and maintain a steady and pragmatic China policy.
China's political system and development path are the Chinese people's own choices, which have inevitable historical logic and are in line with China's national conditions and its people's needs, said Wang.
China's development and progress are not only the legitimate right of its 1.4 billion people, but also an important part of the modernization of all mankind, he said.
China and Canada have no historical disputes or real conflict of interest. China hopes that Canada, in spirit of mutual benefit and win-win, will do more to enhance mutual trust and promote bilateral relations, Wang said.
Secondly, the two countries should respect each other's core interests and not create new obstacles to the development of bilateral relations.
The one-China principle is the political foundation of China-Canada relations, Wang said, adding that if the Taiwan question is not handled properly, China-Canada relations will suffer fundamental damage.
China hopes Canada will adopt a correct attitude and position on issues concerning China's core interests, he said.
Thirdly, Canada should uphold its independence and eliminate unnecessary external interference.
Noting that the elder generation of leaders of the two countries surmounted obstacles to reach the decision to establish diplomatic ties, Wang said there are many good stories and traditions in China-Canada exchanges that should be cherished and carried forward.
China hopes Canada will work with China to eliminate external interference, overcome difficulties and realize sound, stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations, he said.
Also Read: Bangladesh again requests Canada to deport Bangabandhu's killer Nur
Joly said Canada is one of the first countries to recognize the PRC, and Canada-China relations enjoy a solid foundation, adding that Canada respects China's sovereignty, system and the choices made independently by the Chinese people, and positively recognizes China's great achievements in development, especially in reducing poverty.
Canada-China relations during this period of time, he said, are at a difficult stage, and Canada is willing to treat China with sincerity and respect and take a forward-looking approach so as to push bilateral ties back on track and build a more resilient bilateral relationship.
Canada appreciates China's important contributions to the global anti-pandemic fight, and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China on climate change, environmental protection and the fight against COVID-19, he added.
The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine issue.
Noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping has made a comprehensive and authoritative elaboration about China's position on the issue, Wang said China calls on all parties to think with calm and rationality, create opportunities for peace and open up prospects for negotiations.
The negotiations are now facing setbacks and difficulties, but as long as the talks persist, there will be a possible cease-fire, hence a hope of peace, said Wang, adding that China will continue to play a constructive role to this end in an objective and just manner.
Joly said the Canadian side is ready to maintain communication with the Chinese side.
Dhaka calls for joint efforts to build smarter BIMSTEC
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday called for renewing joint efforts at building a "more effective and smarter" BIMSTEC as a result-oriented regional organization.
"The 5th BIMSTEC Summit would revitalize the BIMSTEC process with a stronger political commitment and substantive directives and guidanceof our leaders to chart the future trajectory of the BIMSTEC towards a higher level," he said.
Foreign Minister Momen, who led the Bangladesh delegation, was speaking at the eighteenth ministerial meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in the Sri Lankan capital city on eve of the 5th BIMSTEC Summit scheduled for March 30.
Secretary (East) Mashfee Binte Shams, Additional Foreign Secretary (SAARC and BIMSTEC) Md. Shamsul Haque, Rector, Foreign Service Academy Asad Alam Siam, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka Tareq Md Ariful Islam, Director (SAARC and BIMSTEC) Md. Aminul Islam Khan, Director (FMO) Md. Emdadul Islam Chowdhury, among others, joined as Bangladesh delegation members.
Also read: Seminar held to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations with Germany
Sri Lanka Foreign Minister and Chairperson of the 18th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting delivered opening remarks highlighting enormous potential that BIMSTEC holds in vast areas and laid emphasis on stronger cooperation for the benefit of whole region.
28 Bangladeshi crew to return home soon: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said 28 crew members of Bangladeshi ship "Banglar Samriddhi" will soon return home as they have safely crossed the border leaving war-ravaged Ukraine.
“They’ll soon return to Bangladesh,” he told reporters at a programme held in the Jatiya Press Club.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Poland Sultana Laila Hossain said the 28 crew members were on the way to Romania from Moldova and scheduled to reach there within few hours.
The government has made necessary arrangements for their return as their relatives are eagerly waiting to get reunited at home.
Earlier, the crew had been taken to a relatively safe place from the ship that came under attack leaving its third engineer dead on Wednesday.
The Foreign Minister, however, could not tell about the progress over bringing back the body of Engineer Hadisur Rahman who was killed during a rocket attack on the ship.
Expressing deep condolences to the near and dear ones of deceased Hadisur Rahman, the Russian Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday said the Russian side "bends every effort" to ensure safe departure of the Bangladeshi ship from the port.
The Command of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, relying on the objective monitoring data, has repeatedly stated that, during the retreat, the Ukrainian nationalists open indiscriminate fire and deliberately capture hostages, use them as a “human shield”, resorting to the well-known terrorists’ tactic, said the Embassy.
The BSC ship was positioned in the inner anchorage of Olvia port (Ukraine), when Hadisur was killed due to a missile attack.
Also read: Trying to shift stranded sailors from Ukraine to Romania, says Foreign Secy
Bangladesh shares updated info on continental shelf in Bay with UN
Bangladesh has presented updated information on the country's continental shelf in the Bay of Bengal to the United Nations (UN).
“This submission is a major achievement for our country, especially at a time when we are pursuing our long-cherished dream to become a developed country by 2041," said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen while presenting the updated information.
He said Bangladesh’s ability to utilize the living and non-living resources of the ocean will determine the course of its journey in the coming days.
Dr Momen made the presentation to the 21-member Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) during its 54th session in New York on Tuesday.
He was accompanied by Rear Admiral Md. Khurshed Alam, Secretary and Head of Maritime Affairs Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other technical experts from Bangladesh.
Through the presentation, Bangladesh provided scientific and technical data in support of its entitlement to continental shelf beyond 200 nautical milesin the Bay of Bengal.
As per rule, a sub-commission formed for this purpose will examine the data and make recommendations endorsing Bangladesh’s entitlement.
General Assembly President lauds Bangladesh’s leadership at UN
President of the General Assembly (PGA) Abdulla Shahid has applauded Bangladesh’s “remarkable leadership, productive engagement and significant contribution” in recent times in various aspects of the United Nations.
The PGA was talking to Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen at a bilateral meeting held at the UN Headquarters on Thursday.
On 7 June 2021, the United Nations General Assembly elected Abdulla Shahid of Maldives as President of its seventy-sixth session, which runs from September 2021 until September 2022.
Shahid mentioned that Bangladesh is now holding three important positions - President of the UN Women Executive Board, Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, and co-facilitator of the IMR. “All these signifies Bangladesh’s leadership role at the UN.”
At the outset of the meeting, Momen presented two proposals to the PGA.
These are, according to the Bangladesh Mission at the UN, to organize a high-level event on ‘Review of the implementation of SDGs’ and to take initiative to create a forum of the Finance, Foreign and Development Ministers for developing countries under South-South Cooperation (SSC).
Read:Bangladesh keen to increase engagement with ASEAN: PM
The foreign minister expressed concern on the funding gaps in the implementation of SDG, particularly in view of the Covid -19 pandemic.