Foreign-Affairs
IORA Meetings to focus on undertaking larger projects
Bangladesh, the current Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Chair, will focus on developing a mechanism to undertake larger projects, prevent piracy, armed robbery, unregulated fishing and disaster management as the 24th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) to be held on here November 22-23.
Decisions are taken with consensus based on opinions from all and those decisions will be placed at the 22nd IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting to be held on November 24.
Currently, no project bigger than US$ 80,000 can be taken but projects with unlimited amounts can be taken if the IORA Development Initiative is approved, according to the IORA.
There will be minister and state minister-level participation from 18 countries including Bangladesh.
Briefing the reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said they want “free, inclusive, secure and peaceful” navigation for all without any encumbrance in the region.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) Rear Admiral (Retd) Md. Khurshed Alam, Secretary (East) Mashfee Binte Shamsand and Secretary (West) Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the media briefing.
The Foreign Minister laid emphasis on making the best use of the sea in a more “regulated, progressive and scientific” way.
“In the future, we will take on big projects to maximize gain,” said the Foreign Minister.
Momen highlighted the priority areas of the IORA - maritime safety and security; trade and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management, tourism and cultural exchanges; academic, science and technology cooperation, blue economy and women’s economic empowerment.
He said the ministers and state ministers will jointly meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during their stay in Dhaka.
The Indian Ocean Rim Association is an inter-governmental organisation which was established on 7 March 1997.
There are 23 Member States of IORA and 10 dialogue partners.
India can reap benefits of Bangladesh’s connectivity outlook: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday said Bangladesh is positioned to be a “regional connectivity hub” and India being the closest neighbour can reap the benefits of the connectivity outlook, as envisioned by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Momen also mentioned about the actions taken by Hasina and her government for exerting “zero tolerance” towards terrorism, radicalism and insurgency, which ultimately paved the way in establishing “peace and stability” of the North Eastern states of India.
During his meeting with the foreign minister, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay K. Verma said India, under its Presidency of G20, expects active participation of Bangladesh in the G20 meetings to promote the issues of mutual interest in the global discourse.
The foreign minister reaffirmed that Bangladesh considers India as the closest and the most important neighbour and termed the relations as “solid and unique one.”
Momen underscored the exemplary economic growth of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of the PM Hasina and added that Bangladesh’s economic development is complementing the economic development of India in many ways.
Read: Phone Conversation: Momen, Lavrov want to take Dhaka-Moscow relations to greater heights
With regard to the Indo-Pacific region, Momen stressed the need for international rules and norms based on free and fair connectivity amongst the countries of the region.
The Indian high commissioner said working in Bangladesh is a matter of honour and privilege and reiterated his commitment to work on the issues of mutual interest for further strengthening the excellent relations existing between the two countries.
He stressed on working together in the multilateral arena in supporting the candidatures floated by either country.
He urged all concerned to work towards bringing the border killings to zero, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both the foreign minister and the high commissioner emphasized increasing the engagements between Bangladesh and Indian North Eastern region to invigorate the connectivity and age-old relationship.
Momen emphasized that more than 1.1 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar are being sheltered by Bangladesh.
Read: Momen ‘surprised’ to see his name as chief guest at Bay of Bengal Conversation 2022 opening
Phone Conversation: Momen, Lavrov want to take Dhaka-Moscow relations to greater heights
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Monday shed light on the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Russia and expressed their desire to take these relations to greater heights.
During a telephone conversation, the Russian foreign minister expressed his regret for not being able to come to Dhaka due to schedule complications and expressed his intention to make the visit soon.
Momen thanked Russia for its cooperation with Bangladesh in the construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and invited Russian President Putin to visit Bangladesh on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Lavrov was scheduled to visit Bangladesh on November 23, mainly to attend the 22nd IORA Council of Ministers meeting, to be held in Dhaka on November 24.
Russia is a dialogue partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) while Bangladesh is the current chair of group.
Read: US keen to work with Bangladesh, other partners to build free, open Indo-Pacific
Momen highlighted the role of the Soviet Union in the War of Liberation of Bangladesh and said that Dhaka will always remember it with gratitude.
He sought the cooperation of the Russian foreign minister in sending the Rohingya refugees, who have taken shelter in Bangladesh, back to Myanmar.
In reply, Lavrov assured Momen he would talk with Myanmar.
Among other things, the two ministers also discussed the cooperation between Bangladesh and Russia in the United Nations and other international organizations.
The Russian foreign minister greeted the Bangladesh prime minister on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On Sunday, Momen said the increased activities of Russia due to the situation in Ukraine might be the reason behind the revised decision taken by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
"I can understand it. They are very busy. Their activities due to the war have increased to a large extent. Maybe for that reason he is unable to come," Momen told reporters after attending a programme in a Dhaka hotel.
Read: Russian FM Lavrov’s changed decision on Dhaka visit understandable: Momen
The foreign minister said the Russian side in a diplomatic communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed that the Russian foreign minister is unable to come.
The IORA Council of Ministers meeting, to be hosted by Bangladesh, will be preceded by the 24th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials, to be held on November 22-23.
The IORA is an inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 member states and 10 dialogue partners.
IORA member states are Australia, Bangladesh, Union of Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Republic of Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
The 23 member states of IORA and 10 dialogue partners are expected to join the ministerial and senior official meetings.
US keen to work with Bangladesh, other partners to ensure an open Indo-Pacific
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Monday said they seek to work with Bangladesh and other partners to build an Indo-Pacific that is free and open.
"We want a region that is free and open, interconnected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. We share this vision with many other nations," he said, sharing the five elements of the Indo-Pacific that the US shares with many other nations.
The US ambassador was speaking at a panel discussion “Untangling the Myriad of Multilateral Frameworks in the Indo-Pacific” at a programme titled “Bay of Bengal Conversation” held at a hotel in Dhaka.
Read more: US to be bold in promoting its vision of a free, secure, and prosperous world: Haas
He said they do not ask any nation to choose between the United States and any other partner.
"As we manage shifting geopolitical trends, the United States will conduct itself as a reasonable leader. We do not seek conflict. We do not seek a Cold War," Haas said.
The ambassador said the United States will be unabashed in promoting their vision of a free, open, secure, and prosperous world.
The window of opportunity to deal with shared threats is closing fast, said the ambassador.
He said the United States and 13 partner countries launched negotiations for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, or IPEF, what he described as a “novel economic arrangement” that reflects their collective desire to address 21st century challenges that go beyond trade and investment.
The membership of IPEF reflects the economic diversity of the region as well as the interconnectivity among partner countries that drives economic growth, job creation, and innovation, he said.
IPEF is intended to be open and inclusive to others who wish to join in the future if they share the goals of IPEF and work to achieve those goals.
“We will continue to work on these issues and grow our economic partnership bilaterally with all nations, including Bangladesh,” said the envoy.
Read more: Excited to see more Bangladeshi students are choosing US: Peter Haas
“Let us work together to strengthen the foundations of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and around the world,” he added.
The inaugural session was addressed by former President of Serbia Boris Tadic, CGS Chairman Dr Manjur A Chowdhury and CGS Executive Director Zillur Rahman.
US to be bold in promoting its vision of a free, secure, and prosperous world: Haas
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Monday said they seek to work with Bangladesh and other partners to build an Indo-Pacific that has five elements.
"We want a region that is free and open, interconnected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. We share this vision with many other nations," he said.
Read more: Excited to see more Bangladeshi students are choosing US: Peter Haas
The US Ambassador was speaking at a panel discussion “Untangling the Myriad of Multilateral Frameworks in the Indo-Pacific” at Bay of Bengal Conversations at a hotel in Dhaka.
He said they do not ask any nation to choose between the United States and any other partner.
"As we manage shifting geopolitical trends, the United States will conduct itself as a reasonable leader. We do not seek conflict. We do not seek a Cold War," Haas said.
The Ambassador said the United States will be unabashed in promoting their vision of a free, open, secure, and prosperous world.
Read more: US only cares for free & fair election, not who wins: Amb. Haas
The window of opportunity to deal with shared threats is closing fast, said Ambassador Haas.
"Our vision is a shared vision. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina described Bangladesh’s vision for the region at the 2021 Paris Peace Forum," he said.
Momen ‘surprised’ to see his name as chief guest at Bay of Bengal Conversation 2022 opening
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen says he was surprised to see his name as the “chief guest” at the inaugural session of Bay of Bengal Conversation 2022.
“It’s very unfortunate,” Momen said while responding to a question at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Read more: Diplomats should remember Bangladesh is an independent, sovereign country: Momen
The foreign minister said he attended a programme marking 7,000 episodes of the television talk show “Tritiyo Matra” where CGS Executive Director Zillur Rahman verbally talked about the event.
“We didn’t give him any date. This is very strange,” Momen said.
The Foreign Minister said he was not going there and at this moment he is very busy with many foreign guests.
Read more: Russian FM Lavrov’s changed decision on Dhaka visit understandable: Momen
“I have plenty of people to meet, including MPs from Assam. I have an obligation to meet them bilaterally (IORA ministers). We are very busy with the state jobs,” he added.
The three-day Bay of Bengal Conversation 2022 began at a Dhaka hotel on Monday.
Diplomats should remember Bangladesh is an independent, sovereign country: Momen
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has reiterated his call to diplomats stationed in Dhaka to follow diplomatic norms.
Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign country and they should remember it, Momen said, adding that this culture of diplomats getting involved in the country’s internal affairs must change, today or tomorrow.
Momen said the diplomats stationed here know their code of conduct and they will follow it. "That’s what expected."
“We are no longer a colony, they (diplomats) should remember it,” he added.
Read more: Russian FM Lavrov’s changed decision on Dhaka visit understandable: Momen
He made the remarks this morning while responding to a question at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said around 16 countries will have minister and state minister-level participation at 22nd IORA Council of Ministers meeting, to be held in Dhaka on November 24.
Momen said India will have state minister-level participation at the meeting.
Read more: FM Momen urges Japan to stand by Bangladesh in its development journey
He said the ministers and state ministers will jointly meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during their stay in Dhaka.
The IORA Council of Ministers meeting, to be hosted by Bangladesh, will be preceded by the 24th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials, to be held on November 22-23.
Read more: Bangladesh’s interest lies in peaceful coexistence with Myanmar: Momen
Bangladesh is the current chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit), Secretary (East) and Secretary (West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the media briefing.
BGMEA to support initiative of rickshaw display at Manchester Museum
As part of its branding Bangladesh initiatives, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) will support an initiative launched by a group Bangladeshi youths to promote the tradition and cultural heritage of Bangladesh internationally.
BGMEA will sponsor the “We Love Rickshaw” initiative under which Manchester Museum of the UK will take two traditional paddle Rickshaws from Bangladesh as a symbol of heritage and tradition.
One of the rickshaws will go on display in the South Asia Gallery at Manchester Museum and the other will travel to different venues in the city.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan made announcement of BGMEA’s support to the initiative at a programme held at BGMEA Complex on Sunday.
Mosaddek Hossain, Chief Coordinator, “We Love Rickshaw” social campaign was also present on the occasion.
BGMEA Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Directors Abdullah Hil Rakib and Md. Imranur Rahman and chairmen of different standing committees were also present at the program.
He said BGMEA is happy to support this initiative as it is a big opportunity for them to showcase rich culture and heritage to the international audience.
Faruque Hassan urged all to contribute from the respective positions to branding Bangladesh.
Dhaka for easing visa process, recruitment of more Bangladeshis in Bahrain
Bangladesh has urged Bahrain to work towards easing the process of applying as well as obtaining Bahraini visas for Bangladeshi nationals.
Bangladesh also requested Bahrain to approve the re-entry of its 207 stranded workers and 150 stranded families whose visas expired during the pandemic time.
The issues were discussed at the long-awaited first round of the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between Bangladesh and Bahrain in Manama Sunday.
Bahrain assured Bangladesh of solving the issues at the earliest.
Read: Climate Change: UN, Bangladesh to strengthen cooperation
The Bangladesh delegation was led by Secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mashfee Binte Shams. The Bahrain delegation was led by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
During the meeting, the two sides also stressed the importance of forming a "strategic partnership" between the countries to promote the steady growth of bilateral relationships.
"Mashfee requested Bahrain to open its labour market to new Bangladeshi workers. Her Bahrain counterpart underscored a fair and transparent recruitment system," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The Bangladesh side mentioned a few good models by which Bangladeshis are being recruited for overseas employment.
Also, the government has taken a zero-tolerance policy against illegal migration and signed MoU to prevent human trafficking in some countries, it added.
The delegations from both sides sought each other's support and cooperation in trade, economics, labour, youth, sports, airing candidacies in international elections, mutual exchange of visits of senior-level officials, blue economy, and the signing of pending bilateral instruments that are yet to be finalised and several other topics of mutual interest.
Read: Bangladesh, Cyprus keen to expand cooperation on public safety
The secretary briefed the Bahrain side about Bangladesh's recent remarkable progress in socio-economic development as well as the government's efforts to establish the country as the regional hub of connectivity.
Mashfee requested the undersecretary to consider exporting fertiliser to Bangladesh and importing agricultural foods from Bangladesh. She also sought Bahraini support for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.
The undersecretary appreciated the role of Bangladeshi expatriates in the development efforts of Bahrain, contributing to the economies of both countries.
The secretary invited the undersecretary to visit Bangladesh at the earliest opportunity.
The next round of FOC will be held in Dhaka in 2023.
Climate Change: UN, Bangladesh to strengthen cooperation
Bangladesh and the United Nations (UN) on Sunday discussed ways to further strengthen the national efforts of adaptation to and mitigation of the adverse effects of climate change, specially in the context of the recently concluded COP27 in Egypt.
UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed the issues of mutual interest.
The UNRC briefed the State Minister about her recent visit to Khagrachari and Rangamati districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including on various projects the UN has undertaken there for socio-economic development.
Read more: UNICEF wants investment in world's first child-focused climate risk financing solution
She also sought Bangladesh's cooperation and support in making the upcoming 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) to be held in Doha, Qatar in March 2023.
They also discussed the humanitarian response for the Rohingyas, including on launching the Joint Response Plan (JRP) next year.