Foreign-Affairs
UNGA’s annual debate ends with call for just and equitable system to overcome hurdles
The UN General Assembly’s annual debate has concluded with a call for a just and equitable multilateral system to overcome various global challenges, from the existential threat of climate change to the misuse of artificial intelligence.
Over the past week, the UN’s principal organ with universal membership heard Heads of States and Governments focused on restoring global trust and solidarity for crafting solutions to humanity's challenges.
In his concluding remarks, General Assembly President Dennis Francis on Tuesday stressed the need for unwavering dedication of the UN to bring peace, prosperity, and sustainability to the world.
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Many speakers in the last day's debate bemoaned that though the small island and developing countries have contributed the least to climate change, they are at the front lines of its repercussions.
Since 19 September, around 88 heads of states, 42 heads of governments, including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and over 650 ministers took the rostrum, taking stock of the state of the world as the Assembly launched its 78 sessions.
Top officials took advantage of this massive turnout to engage in more than 2,000 bilateral meetings. Besides, over 13,000 country delegates, 2,600 members of the media, and more than 40,000 other participants were registered for the general debate and its over 100 associated events
Dennis Francis (Trinidad and Tobago), Assembly President, delivered closing remarks, noting that the UN remains focused on the collective challenges of the present time.
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"With the planet being under siege, embracing climate action means safeguarding the Earth’s natural resources, preserving biodiversity and ensuring equitable access to clean air and water for all, he asserted, urging Member States to approach the twenty-eighth UN Climate Change Conference in the spirit of unity and solidarity and deliver a transformative plan of action.
Ministers and delegates voiced their concerns about the myriad of crises threatening the planet, including climate change, biodiversity loss, migration and forced displacement, while others pointed out that the intensification of conflicts in many parts of the world — together with natural hazards — are compromising the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar acknowledged the “exceptional period of turmoil” that the world is currently witnessing and referred to the structural inequities and uneven development.
He called for a fair, equitable and democratic international order, expressing concern over issues like vaccine apartheid, climate action and the misuse of market power.
“No individual State, even the most powerful or technologically advanced, has the capacity to face the global challenges on its own,” said San Marino’s delegate, sounding alarm over the increase of dangerous nuclear rhetoric and nuclear threats which “reinforce the image of a dark future instead of a sustainable one”.
Vanuatu’s delegate described climate change as the “defining existential challenge of our time”, which has set back decades of development progress, recalling that earlier in 2023, two cyclones hit his country with the total recovery needs estimated at 77 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).
His country’s experience with cascading natural hazards led it to incorporate disaster risk reduction into its development plans, he said, calling for the reform of the international financial architecture.
In the same vein, Ahmed Khaleel, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, citing the climate crisis as “a threat to security, to development and human rights”, detailed his country’s ambitious climate action plan aimed at conserving and protecting parts of its ocean, marine species and corals. As a “large ocean” State, the Maldives has an intrinsic responsibility to protect this vast resource, he said, calling for the development of an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution.
Echoing those concerns, Tandi Dorji, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bhutan, drew attention to increasingly frequent and ferocious natural hazards facing his country, including glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods, windstorms and landslides.
Against this backdrop, he called for additional climate financing, including to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar acknowledged the “exceptional period of turmoil” that the world is currently witnessing and referred to the structural inequities and uneven development.
He called for a fair, equitable and democratic international order, expressing concern over issues like vaccine apartheid, climate action and the misuse of market power.
Bangladesh, Japan and NE India urged to form trilateral platform for regional value chain
Renowned economists at a discussion on Wednesday laid emphasis on forming a trilateral platform involving the government agencies, think tanks and private sector to create a regional industrial value chain connecting Bangladesh, Japan and Northeast India.
Highlighting that the region can become a major growth centre by overcoming challenges, they said establishing industries, infrastructures and energy links in the region would require massive investments, reforms to the trade policies and taxation, products harmonization and removing non-tariff barriers.
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State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam who joined as the chief guest said Bangladesh helped Northeast India's peace and stability, while taking a visionary decision of establishing the country's first deep sea port.
"Now it is time to further advance the regional industries and development," he said.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori and FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam also spoke at the seminar on improving regional connectivity and establishing industrial value chain in the the Bay of Bengal including Bangladesh and Northeast India, organized by the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka.
Japan, a major foreign direct investor in Bangladesh, is supporting the establishment of Matarbari Deep Sea Port, a power plant and road and rail connectivity linking the port.
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Japan is also working to accelerate industries and infrastructure along the Dhaka-Chattogram- Cox's Bazar belt and beyond under a $6-billion worth Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative since 2014.
Japan is also supporting India building the infrastructure and industries in Northeast India.
"An industrial value chain in the region is very much a need of the day," said Prof Dr Prabir De of the Research and Information System for Developing Countries.
As there will be many actors and factors that should be involved in the process, he suggested that Bangladesh, India and Japan come under a trilateral framework cooperation agreement for advancing the creation of the regional industrial value chain.
Centre for Policy Dialogue Distinguished Fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya said while this is very much a possible and important idea, but it faces some of the challenges that need to be addressed.
"One needs to keep in mind if the project cost is overrunning," he said.
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Noting of the Matarbari Deep Sea Port that will be complete by 2026, Dr Debapriya said it is important to assess the demand of the port, if there will be enough cargoes coming to the port for its best utilisation. Actions should be taken now to create that demand.
He said while setting up necessary industries in Bangladesh and Northeast India is important, one also needs to think of how Nepal and Bhutan can be connected to the value chain.
"Matarbari without connecting Nepal and Bhutan cannot be Matarbari," he said.
Debapriya said often competitive advantage is shaped by geopolitical issue. India is a federal system and the foreign and trade relations are determined by Delhi. This issue also needs to be taken into account.
"Whether Japan will relocate its industries from China to Bangladesh will also be a factor," the economist said.
Joining virtually, India-based Asian Confluence Executive Director Sabyasachi Dutta said Japan has already developed many connectivity infrastructures in Northeast India and Bangladesh but much more needs to be done.
Development of multimodal connectivity between Matarbari and Chattogram of Bangladesh to Sabroom and Agartala of Tripura including four-lane highway and railway can be a game changer, he said.
He suggested removing trade barriers between Bangladesh and India, as well as Japan.
Signing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Bangladesh, improving investment climate, smooth movements of goods across the border, facilitating third country trade should be some of the priorities, he added.
Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry seeks govt cooperation in boosting trade relations
Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) placed a number of proposals to the Industries Ministry, seeking government cooperation in relocating potential industries in Bangladesh from Thailand.
BTCCI also sought the removal of tariff barriers to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and promote lucrative sectors of Bangladesh to other nations.
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The proposals were made during a courtesy call of Shams Mahmud, president of BTCCI, with the Minister for Industries, Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, at Shilpa Bhaban in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Shams Mahmud said that Bangladesh and Thailand are time-tested friends. BTCCI has been playing an important role since its inception in 2003, he added.
The BTCCI president also emphasized establishing more joint ventures between Bangladesh and Thailand, and requested that the industries minister help and initiate this.
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He said that investments of some big companies in Bangladesh, like Italian-Thai Development Company Limited, CP Bangladesh Ltd and Siam City Cement Ltd., were proofs of Thailand's interest in considering Bangladesh as an investment destination.
He also mentioned that apart from the existing sectors like jute, leather, agro, light engineering etc., Bangladesh could also focus on pharmaceuticals, RMG, tourism and hospitality management, frozen foods, fisheries, infrastructure, education and training to attract Thai investment.
‘There are no right hands to handle these wrong weapons’: Momen calls for eliminating nuclear weapons at UN
The industries minister thanked BTCCI for their contribution and assured all-out cooperation in enhancing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Thailand. Thailand could also play an important role by investing in Bangladesh's infrastructure, he said.
BTCCI Senior Vice President and FBCCI Vice President Md. Munir Hossain emphasized on strengthening the already established good relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand.
‘There are no right hands to handle these wrong weapons’: Momen calls for eliminating nuclear weapons at UN
Bangladesh has emphasized the urgent need for global efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons and ensure a safer world.
“No one is safe as long as nuclear weapons exist,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said while speaking at a high-level plenary meeting of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
Momen urged the world to stop investing in nuclear weapons proliferation and instead redirect these resources to preventing climate change, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring peace and stability.
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He said that death and destruction caused by nuclear weapons cut across borders, across generations.
“The total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only absolute guarantee against this menace,” said the foreign minister.
Dr Momen reiterated Bangladesh’s firm belief in the total elimination of nuclear weapons and its commitment to the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
He welcomed the first State Parties' meeting to the TPNW, its declaration, and a 50-point Action Plan, emphasizing the importance of full implementation by all nations, including nuclear-weapon states and nuclear-umbrella states.
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The Bangladeshi foreign minister also highlighted the risks of nuclear use, whether by intent or accident.
“There are no right hands to handle these wrong weapons,” he said.
Momen called upon the nuclear weapon states to take stringent measures to avoid the risk of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists or other unauthorized actors.
He called for increased investment in research of nuclear technology and exploration of the potentials of the peaceful use of nuclear energy for the benefit of humankind.
The foreign minister called for a global culture of peace, renewed efforts towards a nuclear-free world, and the resumption of disarmament negotiations.
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The high-level plenary meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons was held on September 26 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bangladesh-US ties 'outstandingly cordial' but some trying to inject bitterness: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has described Bangladesh's relationship with the United States as "outstandingly warm and cordial," but noted that some quarters are trying to inject bitterness into this relationship through lies.
The foreign minister said that the United States believes in democracy and human rights.
"So, there is similarity in our views and thoughts with the United States. In principle, the two countries have similarities. However, some individuals may not appreciate our development," Momen said, calling upon the Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States to be vigilant.
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He urged the Bangladeshi diaspora to take a stand, regardless of their political affiliation, to challenge those who lie about Bangladesh.
The foreign minister was speaking at a views-exchange meeting organized by the Bangabandhu Foundation in New York's Bangladeshi-dominated Jackson Heights on September 26.
The foreign minister said, "We have remarkably friendly relations with the United States. America believes in the same principles and values we believe in. Bangladesh is the country where we have fought for democracy. Although we won the popular vote, we were not allowed to form the government in 1971. Rather, genocide was unleashed on us, and then Bangabandhu declared independence."
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Momen said Bangladesh declared independence to establish democracy, justice, and human rights.
"Because of this, we had to sacrifice three million lives during the Liberation War. Nowhere in the world have so many people sacrificed themselves for democracy and human rights in such a short period of time. We are the only nation in the world that has made such great sacrifices for democracy and human rights," he added.
Referring to the replacement of the Digital Security Act, he said, the government accepted the suggestions provided by the United States as a friendly country.
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"The United States expects free and fair elections, and we are also committed to free and fair elections. But there are some people in our country who want to boycott the elections, they fear elections," the foreign minister said, referring to the opposition, that they are trying to thwart the election.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh is now the 35th largest economy in the world.
"If Bangladesh's current economic development continues, we will become the 26th largest economy in a few years. We have 17 crore people, so our own market is huge. That's why many people are interested in our country, because our per capita income has increased 5 times," he said.
Momen said the poverty rate has been reduced by more than half. "All these have become possible due to the implementation of goal-oriented measures of the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina."
Momen also said, "We are now self-sufficient in food. We are third in the world in fish and vegetable production. We are fourth in the world in rice production. Our agricultural land has shrunk, but food production has quadrupled. This has been possible due to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina."
Momen said as Bangladesh is making progress, many people do not like the development activities of the country.
"We are an independent, sovereign country. Our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has given us a beautiful foreign policy. And this principle is 'friendship to all, malice to none.' We believe in this principle. We follow a balanced foreign policy," said the foreign minister.
Bangabandhu Foundation United States unit General Secretary Abdul Quader Mia was present at the event as a special guest. Other leaders including Moshiur Malek, Fakir Ilyas, Abdul Khalek Mia, New York Correspondent of Bangladesh Protidin Lovelu Ansar were present.
UN Assistant Secretary General visits Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar
Unaisi Lutu Vuniwaqa, United Nations assistant secretary general for Safety and Security, has visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar.She visited the Kutupalong-2 and Balukhali-8 refugee camps, as well as the extended part of the 20-year-old refugee camp in Ukhiya upazila on Tuesday.
US seeks sustained pressure on Myanmar to end Rohingya crisisRefugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mizanur Rahman said during the visit, Vuniwaqa spoke to officials of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN World Food Programme and other humanitarian agencies involved in monitoring the situation in the camps.Earlier in the day, the UN assistant secretary general held a meeting with officials of Bangladesh Armed Police Battalion (APBN) and tried to understand the overall security situation in the refugee camps.
Dhaka urges OIC members to contribute voluntary fund to bear legal expenses of Rohingya caseThe security situation in the Rohingya camps has been deteriorating for some time. The issues have been discussed several times in the meetings of the national task force formed to look after the Rohingyas.This is the first time a representative of the UN Safety and Security Division has visited Bangladesh to monitor the security situation in Cox's Bazar.
Don’t forget the Rohingyas: PM Hasina urges Int’l communityThe UN assistant secretary general arrived in Cox's Bazar on Monday morning. She held a meeting with Cox's Bazar Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman at 11:30am on Monday. Later, she also held a meeting with Cox's Bazar deputy commissioner and superintendent of police.It was learnt that Vuniwaqa is visiting Cox's Bazar to know more about the situation in the camps, and discuss the possible steps going forward to resolve the problems.
Bangladesh welcomes increased investment interest from Saudi Arabia
Welcoming increased interest from Saudi Arabia to invest in Bangladesh, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Tuesday said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has emerged as a valued development partner.
Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has contributed some 533.23 million dollars in loan assistance and 106.38 million in grant assistance in infrastructure development of Bangladesh, he said.
"Bangladesh deeply appreciates Saudi Arabia’s commitment and efforts to diplomacy and regional stability," said the State Minister, while speaking at a reception as guest of honor marking the 93rd National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Royal Saudi Embassy.
PM's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman joined as the chief guest.
Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Al Duhailan also spoke at the event, attended by Cabinet members, Ambassadors and High Commissioners stationed in Dhaka, business leaders and senior journalists.
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Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh welcomes Saudi Arabia’s restoration of ties with Iran and Qatar, its willingness to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, its initiative to bring Syria to the Arab League, and finding a political solution to the Yemen crisis. "We further reiterate our support for the Middle East peace process."
'We also take note of Saudi Arabia’s increasing global clout and welcome Saudi Arabia’s inclusion to BRICS. Indeed, we are happy to support Saudi Arabia in hosting Expo 2030 in Riyadh," he said. The State Minister laid emphasis on continued peace, progress and prosperity of Saudi Arabia.
"We hope that Bangladesh-Saudi relations will grow from strength to strength and move forward to the mutual benefits of our two peoples," he said, commending the Ambassador for his active and dynamic roles in strengthening mutual cooperation and bilateral engagements to new dimensions.
The State Minister conveyed their heartfelt felicitations to the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and the Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, brotherly people and the government of Saudi Arabia on this grand occasion.
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He said Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are trusted friends and bilateral partners.
"Bangladesh enjoys excellent multifaceted relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the bilateral and multilateral areas," said the State Minister.
The relations take roots in the commonality of positions on major global issues and complementarity of interests in the economic fields, deep understanding, mutual respect, similar aspirations for peace and development underpinned by common Islamic tradition and culture, he said.
"The engagements today span across many areas including economy, trade, investment, energy security, agriculture, culture, education, etc. in addition to the dominant sector of manpower," said the State Minister.
Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh-Saudi relationship is witnessing a new era of partnership through a plethora of engagements.
"The depth and warmth of our ties is reflected in the high level visit and frequent exchange of messages between the leaders of our two countries," he said.
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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Saudi Arabia five times during the last 15 years in 2009, 2016, 2017, and twice in 2018 respectively.
Bangladesh also received high level delegations from Saudi Arabia to Dhaka including the Saudi Foreign Minister, Commerce Minister, Deputy Minister for Interior Affairs, and the Minister and Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, along with a number of business delegations to Dhaka.
"Our President and Prime Minister’s recent productive meetings with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud this year has inspired us to further elevate our excellent fraternal relations," said Shahriar.
The Kingdom is hosting 2.8 million workers from Bangladesh, who are not only the largest expat group in the Kingdom but also the biggest community of Bangladeshi expatriates outside Bangladesh.
"It’s a matter of great satisfaction that our overseas employment cooperation has expanded many-fold in recent years," Shahriar added.
The two countries signed a vital agreement this year related to Workers’ Recruitment and Skill Verification Programme (SVP) specific to the Bangladeshi workforce, through which the Kingdom will recruit skilled workers while continuing to recruit unskilled workers from the country.
KL mission expresses grief over death of Bangladeshi student in Malaysia; pushes back on family's allegations
The Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur (KL) has expressed its grief over the death of Bangladeshi student Irfan Siddiq in Malaysia.
Irfan was a student of the Management department at the Kuching city campus of the Swinburne University of Technology in Sarawak, one of the thirteen provinces of Malaysia. He died on September 18.
The High Commission conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members of the deceased, according to a press release.
It said as soon as news of the student's death came to their notice, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia Md Golam Sarwar sent an officer of the rank of counsellor to Sarawak the next day.
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Meanwhile, the family of the deceased student, with the help of a DIG-rank officer of Bangladesh Police, submitted a petition through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh to prevent any post-mortem and further investigation of the body, said the release.
Taking into account the sentiments of the family members and written requests, the authorities allowed the body to be sent back to Bangladesh without conducting a post-mortem. All the ancillary preparations, including making tickets to send the body home, were completed as usual.
The student was reportedly suffering from mental trauma/depression for the past few months. He had reportedly informed the family about his mental state in the past and even told his mother that he would commit suicide, according to the KL mission's account set forth in the press release.
The family and university authorities were reportedly aware of his disturbed state, but no one was able to take the steps that may have prevented such a tragic finale, which is very sad, added the High Commission's press release.
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After his death, the family has tried to blame the High Commission, even though it had no prior information pertaining to the situation. It only became aware of the matter after his death, according to the press release. The entire sad episode played out in Sarawak, the Malaysian part of the island of Borneo, whereas the Bangladesh mission is in Kuala Lumpur, located in what is known as peninsular Malaysia. The distance between KL and Sarawak is close to 1300 kilometres.
The distance notwithstanding, all Bangladeshis in Malaysia of course are to be served by the same mission. But the distance and location is pointed out to convey that there was no shared social scene or close-knit community through which the High Commission or its officials could become aware of the situation, without someone specifically informing it.
The KL mission in its press release also hit back at the family's allegations by questioning why the family had not sought any help from it earlier, despite knowing about the mental instability afflicting the student.
The High Commission is being blamed only on the basis of what is heard from various media outlets and on the basis of perceptions, which is unexpected and sad on behalf of the family/relatives of the deceased student. Where the High Commission has worked sincerely to fulfill the wishes of the family of the deceased student, it added
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Since the family has called for a re-investigation, considering the seriousness of the matter, the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has already written to the Malaysian government to re-investigate the death. It is taking the unexpected death of Bangladeshi student Irfan Siddique very seriously. The High Commission believes that this press release, based on the information of the High Commission and disseminated with evidence, will put an end to the reasonable questions of all the concerned people.
UN chief for green investments to build tourism sector that delivers for people, planet
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding but in order to deliver its full benefits, this force must be protected and nurtured.
“On this World Tourism Day, we recognize the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that delivers for people and planet,” he said in a message marking the World Tourism Day that falls on September 27.
Today, the climate emergency is threatening many travel destinations and the very survival of communities and economies that depend on tourism.
And, the UN chief said, many developing countries that are severely affected by a changing climate are also facing a growing investment deficit and a cost-of-living crisis.
“So let us all do more to harness the full potential of sustainable tourism. Because investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all,” Guterres said.
He said governments and businesses must invest in sustainable and resilient tourism practices.
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“Private actors must adopt zero-emission pathways, lower their energy consumption and leverage renewable forms of energy. And everyone must protect the biodiversity and ecological balance of all destinations,” said the UN chief.
He said targeted investments can deliver jobs and support local businesses and industries while mitigating the environmental impacts of tourism, empowering communities, promoting their cultures, and contributing to essential social protection systems.
Dhaka, Beijing committed to deepening strategic cooperation to uplift ties in new era: Ambassador Yao
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference, so that the country can maintain domestic unity and stability and achieve development and revitalization.
"Bangladesh firmly pursues the one-China principle and appreciates the important role China has played in promoting regional peace and stability. The two sides are committed to further deepening strategic cooperation and thereby uplifting China-Bangladesh relations to a higher level in the new era," he said.
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The Ambassador said Bangladesh and China are close partners for joint development.
He was speaking at a reception marking the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China Monday night. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan joined as the chief guest.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the launching of the Belt and Road Initiative by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
"Cooperation between China and Bangladesh under the BRI has also entered a harvest season," said the Chinese envoy.