Foreign-Affairs
India's flagship conf on geopolitics, geo-strategy - Raisina Dialogue - to begin March 2
The 8th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-strategy, will be held from March 2-4 in New Delhi, India.
The theme of the 2023 edition is "Provocation, Uncertainty, Turbulence: Lighthouse in the Tempest?”
It is organized by Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Dialogue on March 2.
President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni, will join the inaugural session as the chief guest, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Raisina Dialogue 2023 will witness participation of representatives from over 100 countries including ministers, former Heads of State and Heads of government, military commanders, captains of the industry, technology leaders, academia, journalists, scholars on strategic affairs, experts from leading think tanks, and youth.
This year’s edition assumes special significance coming against the backdrop of India’s G20 Presidency.
Over the course of three days, more than 250 decision makers and thought leaders of the World would engage each other across 100 conversations of various formats, and deliberate over five thematic pillars: (i) Neo Insurgence: Geographies, Domains, Ambitions (ii) Amoral Mosaic: Contest, Cooperate or Cancel (iii) Chaotic Codes: Sovereignty, Security, Society (iv) Pernicious Passports: Climate, Commons, Citizens (v) Grey Rhinos: Democracies, Dependencies and Debt Traps.
Over 2500 participants would be joining the Dialogue in-person and the proceedings would reach millions across various digital platforms.
During the past eight years, the Raisina Dialogue has consistently grown in stature and profile to establish itself as one of the leading global conferences on international affairs.
Ambassador Haas tours Meghna Group soy crushing facility in Narayanganj
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Tuesday visited the Meghna Group soy crushing facility in Narayanganj to learn more about demand for US agricultural products in Bangladesh.
Ambassador Haas, accompanied by the US Soybean Export Council, toured the Meghna facility, from the loading docks to the soy oil production center.
He discussed the importance of agricultural trade to promote food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in Bangladesh with Meghna Group leadership and the plant managers.
Meghna Group is the first Bangladeshi company to import US Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) soybeans.
The SSAP is a program that allows third parties to audit soybean farms to ensure their practices are environmentally sustainable.
Also Read: Excited to see more Bangladeshi students are choosing US: Peter Haas
Ninety-five percent of US soybean producers partner with the US Department of Agriculture to create and implement conservation programs in accordance with the SSAP, said the US Embassy in Dhaka.
In 2022, Bangladesh imported $912 million of US agricultural products, including $350 million of high-quality US soybeans.
Dhaka, Tokyo to work towards building a “strategic” relationship
Bangladesh and Japan have agreed to further intensify their existing excellent ties and work towards building a “strategic” relationship.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen had an extensive meeting with Japanese Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Shigeo Yamada in Tokyo on Tuesday as part of regular Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) to comprehensively discuss the bilateral relations, regional and global issues.
Bangladesh Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed and other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo also attended the meeting.
Officials in Dhaka and Tokyo are now working to finalize the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan to take place soon.
Both sides recalled Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic visit to Japan in 1973 which cemented the bilateral relations.
Japan highly appreciated the well planned and structured approach to development led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through her visions 2021 and 2041, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As part of building stronger bonds, Japan suggested partnership with Bangladesh in further developing the southern Chattogram area centering on the Matarbari Infrastructure Development Initiative (MIDI) project in the context of connectivity.
Also Read: Japan, UNHCR sign $4.5 million agreement to support Rohingyas in Bangladesh
Both sides agreed that these projects being built under Japan’s Big-B initiative have potentials to benefit not only Bangladesh but also the entire region.
Both sides discussed issues of bilateral relations in the areas of trade, investment, agriculture, especially ICT and high-tech industries, blue economy, health, human resource development, capacity development in maritime security, disaster management and defense cooperation.
By emphasizing to promote connectivity in the coming days, Foreign Secretary Masud appreciated the Japanese involvement in Bangladesh’s development projects including the Matharbari, Metro Rail and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Japanese senior deputy minister appreciated Bangladesh’s growth in spite of the pandemic and global economic downturn.
The foreign secretary expressed his gratitude for COVID-related assistance extended by Japan including vaccine provision and direct budgetary support for the next couple of years.
Japanese senior deputy minister assured that Japan will continue to support in all development projects of Bangladesh related to connectivity.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the inauguration of the first phase of Bangladesh Special Economic Zone at Araihazar and Metro Rail.
Also Read: Japanese PM's special advisor for human rights issues visits Bangladesh
Bangladesh hopes that this economic zone will attract more Japanese investments since Bangladesh attaches high importance to the bilateral relations with Japan and will facilitate Japanese investors in this regard.
The foreign secretary also appraised Biman’s plan to resume its flights to Tokyo in the running year.
Japanese Deputy Minister Yamada welcomed the idea and stated that the proposed air-link would help greater people to people contact and promote businesses.
The FS stressed the urgency for early repatriation of the Rohingyas to their ancestral homes at the Rakhaine state of Myanmar.
The Japanese side stated that they would continue their assistance to Bangladesh in this regard.
The foreign secretary invited Japanese Senior Deputy Minister Yamada to visit Bangladesh for the next FOC in 2024.
Putin congratulates President-elect of Bangladesh Md Shahabuddin
President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has congratulated President-elect of Bangladesh Mohammad Shahabuddin.
In a congratulatory message to Mohammad Shahabuddin recently, the Russian President said, "Please accept my sincere congratulations on your election as the President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh."
President Putin said the two countries have been maintaining traditionally friendly relations.
Read more: Russia a tested friend; no adverse impacts on existing relations: MoFA Spokesperson
"I hope that your work during the presidential tenure will promote further development of constructive cooperation between Russia and Bangladesh in various fields," said the Russian President.
He wished President-elect Shahabuddin success, sound health and well-being.
The Russian Embassy in Dhaka shared the message with media on Tuesday.
G20 foreign ministers’ meet in Delhi: Momen to hold meetings on the sidelines
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will have a number of bilateral meetings including with his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi on March 1-2.
Talking to reporters at the Jatiya Press Club on Tuesday, Momen said he cannot tell all the names at this moment but there are meetings with his counterparts from France, Sweden and India in addition to his counterparts from two-three more countries.
Asked whether there is any planned meeting with US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on the sidelines of G20, Momen said he will be traveling to the USA in April at the invitation of the US side where he will have the meeting.
The Foreign Minister is scheduled to leave for New Delhi on March 1. The US Secretary of State will also travel to New Delhi on March 1 to participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang will attend the G-20 foreign ministers' meeting on March 2, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will be on a three-day visit to India to participate in the G2O Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi from March 1-2, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Read: Bangladesh should go for PTA with Mercosur instead of FTA: Argentine minister
The G20 foreign ministers’ meeting will focus on strengthening multilateralism and deepening cooperation on food and energy security, sustainable development, counter-narcotics, global health, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and gender equality and women’s empowerment.
India, holding G20 presidency, has invited Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as guest countries to its meetings and summit, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, India.
Under its presidency, India is expected to host over 200 G20 meetings across the country this year.
“We feel very honored,” Foreign Minister Momen said.
In the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, Momen said, Bangladesh will put forward its views and suggestions including finding ways for stopping war and proper implementation of SDGs.
“We will present our views and suggestions. We want development in a peaceful environment,” he said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been invited to attend the 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit which will take place during September 9-10 this year in New Delhi.
Hasina paid a state visit to India from September 5 to 8 last year at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
Apart from the G20 leaders, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Saeed Hussein Khalil El-Sisi, Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Oman Head of State Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have been invited to the G20 Summit.
Reopening embassy will boost trade between Argentina, Bangladesh: Visiting minister hopes
Argentina’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Santiago Andrés Cafiero today (February 28, 2023) hoped that the economic, trade and business collaboration between his country and Bangladesh will get a boost following the reopening of the Argentine embassy in Dhaka.
He expressed the optimism while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganabhaban this morning.
PM’s speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting.
“Argentina is happy to reopen its embassy in Dhaka,” the visiting foreign minister was quoted as saying while extending thanks to Sheikh Hasina for giving the opportunity to reopen the mission in such a short time.
Read More: Bangladesh should go for PTA with Mercosur instead of FTA: Argentine minister
He hoped that economic, trade and business collaboration between the two countries will be enhanced, as well as friendship will be strengthened further with reopening the embassy.
“There is enough scope to enhance cooperation between our two countries,” Cafiero was quoted as saying.
Argentina first opened its embassy in Dhaka in 1974 but it was closed in 1978 by the military junta that ruled the South American country at the time. The Argentina embassy was reopened in Dhaka’s Banani area yesterday.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh is very keen to enhance relations with Argentina.
Read: All roads in haor areas will be elevated for unobstructed water flow: PM
“There is huge scope to enhance trade and tourism between Bangladesh and Argentina,” she was quoted.
Argentina can import garments and pharmaceutical items, jute and related products, and leather goods from Bangladesh, she said.
Bangladesh mainly imports edible oil, particularly soybean oil, animal and vegetable fats, seeds, fruits, grains, dairy products, eggs and natural honey.
“We can also collaborate in the fields of sports, education and culture,” she said, seeking cooperation from Argentina for the development of Bangladesh football.
Read More: Latin America-Bangladesh Chamber president meets Argentine business delegate in Dhaka
Sheikh Hasina said the whole world is going through turmoil caused by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, economic sanctions and counter-sanctions.
Not only Bangladesh, but many developed countries are being impacted as prices of food items and inflation have gone up significantly around the world, she said.
In this context, she said that public suffering can be eased through enhancing cooperation and relations among friendly countries.
The PM said Bangladesh has put emphasis on raising food production and setting up 100 special economic zones to generate employment, developing infrastructures and connectivity with neighbouring countries. Now Bangladesh is a marketing hub in South Asia, she added.
Read: President at Mithamain to welcome PM
The visiting Argentine minister said the people of his country are also bearing the brunt of high inflation induced by the Russia-Ukraine war and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Talking about climate change, he said relations among the member states of the global south forum can be strengthened to fight the impact.
He praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership in fighting climate change.
Appreciating the development of Bangladesh, he said, “We are highly impressed with the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.”
Read More: Bangladesh attractive destination for business, investment: Momen tells Argentine delegation
Noting that this is his first visit here, the Argentine foreign minister said he did not imagine that Bangladesh would be so beautiful.
PMO Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin, Secretary (West) at the Foreign Ministry Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury and non-resident Ambassador of Argentina to Bangladesh Hugo Gobbi were present.
On Monday, Argentine Foreign Minister Cafiero arrived in Dhaka to inaugurate his country’s new embassy here and deepen trade and cultural relations. Diplomatic operations, such as visas in order to travel, were handled by the Argentine embassy in India until now.
Read More: Argentine FM to hold bilateral talks with Momen in Dhaka Monday
Bangladesh has capacity to patrol land and maritime borders, improved cargo and passenger airport screening: US report
Bangladesh has the capacity to patrol land and maritime borders and has improved cargo and passenger airport screening with updated equipment, procedures, and increased staff, a latest report released today by the US says.
Airline security is not as strong, Bangladesh has initiated e-passports for all and shares information with INTERPOL, but has no dedicated terrorist watchlist, according to the report.
A US “Alert List” project is under government consideration.
Read: UN reaffirms continued support to Bangladesh in overcoming unprecedented challenges
Bangladesh does not systematically use API/PNR passenger information to screen travelers before flights arrive, the report claimed.
In 2019, the ATT sentenced to death seven terrorists for their roles in the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack.
The Department of State issued the 2021 Country Reports on Terrorism (CRT), which provide a detailed look at the counterterrorism environment in that year.
Read More: Dhaka, Washington discuss cooperation on defence, IPS, maritime security
Each year, the CRT provides insight on important issues in the fight against terrorism and helps the United States make informed decisions about policies, programs, and resource allocations to build counterterrorism capacity and resilience around the globe.
EU+ saw 1 million asylum applications, including record 34,000 from Bangladeshis, in 2022
In 2022, EU+ countries received some 966,000 applications, including 34, 000 from Bangladeshis, for international protection, up more than 50 percent from 2021, and the most since 2016, according to the new analysis of the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).
The largest applicant groups were Syrians, Afghans and Turks, but applications were also high for a wide range of other nationalities, while the caseload of applications pending decision hit its highest level since 2017.
The EUAA analysis represents a significant increase in 2021, by around half, and is owed in part to the removal of Covid-related restrictions and longer-term underlying trends such as conflicts and food insecurity in many regions of origin, resulting in strong push factors. Furthermore, secondary movements within the EU and significant numbers of applications by nationals from visa-free countries who arrived legally contributed as well.
It comes in addition to around 4 million people fleeing Ukraine who benefit from temporary protection.
In activating the Temporary Protection Directive, the decision to offer a dedicated channel that does not require an individual examination of protection needs prevented the collapse of Europe's asylum systems. However, the combined five million people seeking protection in Europe have placed its national reception systems under considerable pressure.
Syrians (132,000) and Afghans (129,000) remained by far the largest applicant groups, and nationals of both countries lodged substantially more applications than in 2021, in fact, the most since 2016.
The EUAA recently issued Country Guidance on Syria and Afghanistan, with conclusions largely substantiating the protection needs of Syrian nationals, and finding inter alia that restrictions placed on Afghan women by the Taliban amount to persecution.
With more than doubling numbers, Turkish applicants (55,000) became the third largest group. They were followed by Venezuelans (51,000) and Colombians (43, 000), who both lodged about three times as many applications as in 2021.
Read more: Apparel export to EU grew 15.04 % during July-Jan of FY23
Turks, Venezuelans, Colombians, Bangladeshis (34,000), and Georgians (29,000) all applied the most on record.
At lower levels, record applications were also lodged by citizens of India (26,000), Morocco (22,000), Tunisia (21,000), Egypt (15, 000), Moldova (8,300), and several others.
In 2022, EU+ asylum authorities issued some 632,000 decisions at first instance, up by a fifth from 2021.However, applications increased by far more – in fact outnumbering them by about 333,000 – resulting in the largest gap since 2015. It largely translated into an increase in pending cases at first instance.
At the end of the year, some 636, 000 cases were awaiting a decision at first instance, a 44 percent increase compared to 2021.
The EU+ recognition rate was 40 percent in 2022, up by five percentage points from 2021 and the most in five years. Of the two-in-five applicants receiving a positive decision at first instance, around 147 000 were granted refugee status and 106 000 received subsidiary protection.
Recognition rates were especially high for Syrians, Belarusians, Ukrainians, Eritreans, Yemenis, and Malians.
In contrast, recognition rates were especially low for citizens of India, North Macedonia, Moldova, Vietnam, Tunisia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Nepal among others.
Equipped with a strengthened mandate to support the implementation of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), in 2022 the Agency substantially increased its technical and operational support.
The number of countries benefiting from the EUAA Operational Support has quadrupled to 13 EU member states since just 2019, with over 1,500 deployed personnel. The agency is also providing support in a third country, Moldova.
Deadly shipwreck in Italy must trigger action to save lives: UN
The UN chief and agencies serving refugees and migrants urgently called for safer travel routes and bolstered rescue operations following the deadly shipwreck that left at least 60 dead on Sunday off the coast of Crotone, Italy.
“Every person searching for a better life deserves safety and dignity,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said. “We need safe, legal routes for migrants and refugees.”
The UN refugee agency (UNCHR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in a joint statement, expressed condolences for the victims and called on countries to increase resources and capabilities to effectively meet their responsibilities.
Rescue crews searched by sea and air Monday for the dozens of people believed still missing from a shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast that drove home once again the desperate and dangerous crossings of migrants seeking to reach Europe.
At least 80 people survived Sunday’s shipwreck off the Calabrian coast, but rescue crews recovered 60 bodies, including those of several children and the corpse of a young man Monday morning. Dozens more were feared dead given survivor reports that the ship, which set off from Turkey last week, had carried about 170 people.
“It is unacceptable to witness such horrors, with families and children entrusted to unseaworthy boats,” said Chiara Cardoletti, the UNHCR representative for Italy, the Holy See and San Marino.
The boat had left Turkey, with many passengers coming from Afghanistan and Pakistan. In 2022, people from Turkey accounted for around 15 percent of total arrivals by sea in Italy, the UNHCR said, noting that nearly half of the people arriving along this route were people fleeing Afghanistan.
The agencies said European Union mechanisms for rescue operations are “urgently needed.”
To avoid tragedies like this, Cardoletti said, it is “more necessary than ever before to strengthen the rescue capacity, which is still insufficient.”
Read more: Rescuers find 60th body off Italy after migrant shipwreck
Laurence Hart, director of the IOM Coordination Office for the Mediterranean, said this shipwreck demonstrates how the phenomenon of migration by sea must be tackled by all European nations.
This requires humanitarian support and adopting an approach that considers the multiple drivers that are causing people to flee, she said.
The IOM Missing Migrants Project reported that at least 220 people, including those who perished on Sunday, died or went missing along the central Mediterranean route in 2023.
Bangladesh should go for PTA with Mercosur instead of FTA: Argentine minister
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has hoped that Argentina would support Bangladesh's initiative to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with the South American regional economic organisation Mercosur during its current presidency.
In response, Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Santiago Andres Cafiero suggested that Bangladesh pursue a preferential trade agreement (PTA) instead of FTA.
Momen also requested Santiago to consider lowering the existing 35 percent duty imposed by Argentina on readymade garments (RMG) products and withdrawing $0.16 per kg anti-dumping duty on jute bags and sacks from Bangladesh to have greater market access.
A 34-member high-level Argentine delegation, led by the Argentine minister, is paying a two-day state-level visit to Dhaka.
Read more: Bangladesh attractive destination for business, investment: Momen tells Argentine delegation
The non-resident Argentine ambassador to Bangladesh, undersecretary of trade and chief of cabinet to the Argentine foreign minister, are also accompanying the minister.
Momen received his Argentine counterpart this morning at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Later, Santiago led a delegation to the Brac Foundation. The purpose was to learn from the Brac development programmes and success stories focusing on women's empowerment and rural women's financial inclusion.
Both sides agreed to collaborate to share knowledge on how to bring about financial inclusion in a responsible manner to pull millions of vulnerable women in rural and urban areas of Argentina out of poverty.
Read More: Reopening embassy in Dhaka a stepping stone to build better ties with Bangladesh: Argentina
Santiago had a meeting with Momen at state guest house Jamuna this evening. Momen expressed gratitude to the Argentine government for reopening its diplomatic mission in Dhaka.
The foreign minister showed interest in wider cooperation between Bangladesh and Argentina in agriculture, agro-processing, cattle and poultry industries, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, the ICT sector, heavy and light machinery and equipment.
Santiago and Momen emphasised the importance of enhancing close collaboration to increase bilateral trade and investment.
Read More: Argentina’s foreign minister in Dhaka to reopen embassy, deepen ties.