Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen
Blinken calls up FM Momen; discusses bilateral issues
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a phone call to Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday evening and discussed issues of mutual interests.
The two sides discussed bilateral issues and areas of cooperation between the two countries.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam said on the eve of 50th anniversary of the Victory of Bangladesh, the US Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Dr Momen spoke over phone at a length.
“Both renewed the resolve to take forward the relationship further. They also agreed to increased engagement while celebrating 50th anniversary of bilateral relationship,” the State Minister tweeted.
US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with Bangladesh on development, economic growth, and security.
"The two leaders discussed the importance of human rights and agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and address shared global challenges," said the Spokesperson.
Though details could not be known, the Foreign Minister is scheduled to brief the media on Thursday afternoon, highlighting the Indian President’s state visit.
Read: Efforts on to change Washington’s decision of sanctions: FM Momen
He is expected to share more on the telephone conversation with Blinken.
Earlier, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller was summoned by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Saturday to convey Dhaka’s “discontent” over the designated sanctions imposed by the US Departments of Treasury and of State on some of the present and former officials of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
Foreign Secretary Momen expressed Bangladesh’s disappointment that the decision was taken "unilaterally" by the US Administration without any prior consultation with the Government of Bangladesh.
He flagged that the issues that were cited for imposing the designated sanctions remained under active discussions, including under the framework of the regular institutional dialogues between the two sides, and that yet the US decision came without any prior intimation.
The Foreign Secretary regretted that the US decided to undermine an agency of the government that had been on the forefront of combating terrorism, drug trafficking and other heinous transnational crimes that were considered to be shared priorities withU successive US administrations.
Read: Sanctions on RAB: FM says impact on relations depends on US
Ambassador Miller took note of the concerns raised by the Government of Bangladesh, and assured of conveying the same to his Capital, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He concurred that the excellent multifaceted relations between two countries could be further deepened through established consultation mechanisms and high level visits.
Ambassador Miller further expressed the willingness of the US Government to remain closely engaged with the Government of Bangladesh in the coming days on issues of mutual interest.
Malaysia donates over 5.59 lakh AstraZeneca vaccine doses to Bangladesh
The Malaysian government has provided over 5.59 lakh AstraZeneca vaccine doses to Bangladesh as a gesture of solidarity and support in the latter’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Haznah Md. Hashim, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh, handed over some token vaccine doses to Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at a formal ceremony held at the State Guest House Padma on Tuesday.
Secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and officials of the High Commission of Malaysia in Dhaka were present.
Read: France donates 2.06 mln AstraZeneca vaccine doses to Bangladesh
High Commissioner Hashim described the donation of 559,200 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines and medical equipment to the Government of Bangladesh as a testament to the close, warm and cordial relations existing between the two brotherly countries.
The High Commissioner also mentioned that Government of Malaysia prioritized Bangladesh for donating vaccines even with its limited inventory.
Border killings remain an irritant, FM Momen tells Shringla
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has underscored that the killing of Bangladesh nationals by the Indian border security forces continued to remain an irritant despite the goodwill and excellent relations between the two countries.
Dr Momen urged Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla to take up the matter with all the relevant agencies in India when Shringla met him at his office on Tuesday afternoon.
He reiterated his hope over the early signing of the Teesta water-sharing deal and equitable comprehensive water-sharing agreement for other common rivers which, he thinks, may be seen as testimony of ‘Good Neighborhood’.
He recalled that the two countries had resolved many of the outstanding issues in a spirit of understanding.
Read:Dhaka, Delhi eye unique relationship resolving pending issues
The Foreign Minister stressed promoting robust trade and commerce between the two countries for mutual benefit.
He also urged the Indian side to take necessary measures in completing the “Swadhinota Sharak” connecting Mujibnagar to Kolkata as a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Momen said India is Bangladesh’s best friend and both sides expressed their satisfaction on the ongoing cooperation and the high-level engagements even in the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Dhaka, Delhi eye unique relationship resolving pending issues
Bangladesh and India on Tuesday emphasized expediting efforts to resolve pending issues as the two countries look forward to a “very high-level relationship” finding new areas of cooperation.
Visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after holding a detailed discussion with his Bangladesh counterpart Masud Bin Momen at Foreign Service Academy.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Dr Momen said the two countries agreed to work for the welfare of the people in the two countries.
Read: Dhaka, Delhi created model relations, says FM terming Dec 6 a historic day
He said the Indian side talked about the border issue and assured Bangladesh of keeping more careful watch to avert any problem along the Bangladesh-India border.
The Foreign Minister recalled the respect shown by the Indian side to Bangladesh throughout this historic year.
Bangladesh seeks US investment in diversified areas
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday sought investment from US companies in diversified areas as Bangladesh offers plenty of opportunities for foreign investors.
“Here is a place to make money through investment, you’re most welcome to make investment in Bangladesh,” he said.
Dr Momen described the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States “very strong” which will be much stronger in the days to come.
Read: Bangladesh removed from India’s "red list": FM
The Foreign Minister said the US can diversify its investment in Bangladesh and renewable energy is an area for the US companies to invest.
He said there are huge potentials for closer cooperation as the two countries have a very strong relationship. “There’s a scope for improving our investment and trade relations. We’ll be doing much better in the coming days.”
Dr Momen was addressing a function marking the 25th anniversary of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham Bangladesh) at a city hotel.
Prime Minister’s Private Sector Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller and AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.
Sylhet to turn into a hub of modern medical services: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday said Sylhet will become one of the hubs of modern medical services.
He said thousands of people from Bangladesh go to neighboring countries for treatment every year.
Read: It's US politics to keep countries under pressure in the name of democracy: FM
"If we can provide adequate medical services to healthcare seekers, we will be able to save a huge amount of money," Dr Momen said while inaugurating the newly constructed 10-storey outdoor building of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital (SOMCH) in the afternoon.
Highlighting the various steps taken by the government for the development of medical services in Sylhet, the Foreign Minister said the capacity of SOMC Hospital to provide medical services has increased significantly with the completion of the ten-storey outdoor building.
Besides, the minister said the eight-storey building under construction of Sylhet Sadar Hospital will be completed by May next year and then the medical services in Sylhet will be further advanced.
Read: ‘We've a very transparent democracy’: FM Momen
Dr Momen also mentioned the necessary process for the construction of the second Osmani Medical College Hospital has already started.
Director of Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet Deputy Commissioner and local administration officials were present among others on the occasion.
It's US politics to keep countries under pressure in the name of democracy: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday said it is the American politics to keep countries under pressure with different issues like democracy, good governance and terrorism.
"If there's any weakness (in our democracy), we'll try to address it. Let's think how we can do that," he told reporters, noting that there is nothing to worry about for not being invited by the United States for its Summit for Democracy.
After visiting the under construction export cargo complex of Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, Dr Momen said the US wants to keep countries under pressure while talking about democracy, good governance and terrorism. "That's their politics. So, nothing to be worried about whether you’re being invited or not."
Read:‘We've a very transparent democracy’: FM Momen
On Thursday, Dr Momen said Bangladesh maintains a "very stable and transparent" democracy and the US might have invited those countries with weak democracies for its Summit for Democracy. "We've had a stable democracy over the last several years, a very clear and transparent democracy. Free and fair voting is happening," he said. Dr Momen said there is nothing to be worried as the people of Bangladesh will work for further strengthening the democracy, if required. He said the US itself faced problems in the recent past despite being an old democracy.
Since day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has made it clear that renewing democracy in the United States and around the world is essential to meet the unprecedented challenges of time. President Joe Biden stated on the International Day of Democracy, “No democracy is perfect, and no democracy is ever final. Every gain made, every barrier broken, is the result of determined, unceasing work.” On December 9-10, President Biden will host the first of two Summits for Democracy, which will bring together leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector to set forth an affirmative agenda for democratic renewal and to tackle the greatest threats faced by democracies today through collective action.
‘We've a very transparent democracy’: FM Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said Bangladesh maintains a "very stable and transparent" democracy and the US might have invited those countries with weak democracies for its Democracy Summit. "We've had a stable democracy over the last several years, a very clear and transparent democracy. Free and fair voting is happening," he told reporters while responding to questions on Democracy Summit. After attending a programme in the city, the Foreign Minister voters can cast their votes freely and anybody can contest elections if they want.
Read: In eulogy, S African FM calls Bangabandhu, Mandela great visionary leaders In Myanmar, Afghanistan many cannot vote, said the Foreign Minister. "In our country, all people can vote. When there’s a will, there’s a way. From that perspective, we’re much better." Dr Momen said those who are weak were convened and the US side said they will hold the Summit in two phases. In the first phase, some countries that are weak in democracy will join. He said there is nothing to be worried as the people of Bangladesh will work for further strengthening the democracy, if required. Dr Momen said the US itself faced problems in the recent past despite being an old democracy. Those who are weak in democracy were possibly called by the US. "I don’t say they’ve dropped us." Since day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has made it clear that renewing democracy in the United States and around the world is essential to meet the unprecedented challenges of time.
Dhaka, Colombo look for quick conclusion of PTA
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on Monday emphasized the importance of expeditious conclusion of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and enhancement of trade and commerce between the two countries. The two countries also underscored the need for further strengthening air and maritime connectivity for the greater benefits of the two nations. The issues were discussed when Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Prof Gamini Lakshman Peiris met his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen at State Guest House Padma. The two sides stressed further cooperation in the sectors like trade and commerce, investment, tourism, connectivity, agriculture, fisheries, education, and people-to-people contact.
Read: Border killings unfortunate for Bangladesh; shameful for India: FM Dr Momen congratulated the newly appointed Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka and thanked him for attending the 21st meeting of the IORA Council of Ministers’ (COM) physically despite the global Covid-19 related health concerns. He also stated that Bangladesh attaches high importance to its relations with Sri Lanka which, he termed excellent, based on the historical linkages, friendship, and commonalities of views and shared vision of prosperity. Recalling the state visit of Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka to Dhaka on 19–20 March 2021 on the occasion of birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh, he noted that it contributed towards strengthening the ties of the two countries. The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister expressed his happiness for meeting the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. He recalled the recent meeting of Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the World Leaders’ Summit of CoP-26 and said the leadership of Sri Lanka highly appreciated the recent economic development of Bangladesh. He reiterated the importance of close relations between the two neighbours. The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister sought collaboration on the area of e-commerce, involvement in the digital sector through sharing of Bangladesh’s expertise. Dr Momen particularly mentioned Bangladesh’s success in the pharmaceutical sector and urged his Sri Lankan counterpart to import pharmaceuticals products from Bangladesh. Both the ministers noted the ongoing cooperation under IORA, maritime cooperation, maritime security, blue economy, climate change and prevention of over exploitation of marine resources.
Read: France firmly with Bangladesh over Rohingya issue: FM Momen They also pledged to explore the possible collaboration between Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University of Bangladesh and National Institute of Oceanographic Marine Sciences of Sri Lanka. The meeting ended with a positive note in a cordial atmosphere. The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister is on a three-day visit to Bangladesh and will attend the 21st meeting of the IORA Council of Ministers’ (COM) which is scheduled to be held on Wednesday.
Inclusive politics essential for every country’s prosperity: British Minister
UK’s Minister for South Asia Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon on Monday expressed optimism that the citizens of Bangladesh will have an open and vigorous debate about the country’s direction as Bangladesh approaches its next election period.
“Inclusive politics are essential for every country’s prosperity, something that the Father of the Nation (Bangabandhu) Sheikh Mujibur Rahman knew very well,” he said, adding that the constitution (Bangladesh) emphasizes both transparency and due process which is a real guiding right to everyone.
The British Minister said Bangladesh, on Bangabandhu’s legacy, has built something quite remarkable and there is an opportunity for this great nation to go even further.
He made the remarks while delivering keynote speech at a programme titled “Bangladesh-UK: Partners in Progress' with Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen as the chair. The event was held at the Foreign Service Academy.
Lord Ahmad, also the Minister for the United Nations and the Commonwealth at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), said as a steadfast friend and partner of Bangladesh they value this unique relationship and friendship.
“Our message is simple - to all of you from all of us. I assure we’re partners for today and for the future. As close and honest friends, we look forward to further strengthening this unique partnership,” he said.
Read:'Bangladesh a compelling case for UK investors'