foreign-affairs
Kosovo says its excellent relation with Bangladesh a model
The relations between Bangladesh and Kosovo can serve as a good example for countries that are still reluctant to have formal relations with Kosovo, said the country’s embassy here on Thursday.
"Relations between the two countries are developing rapidly and can be considered friendly and excellent," said the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Dhaka celebrating its 14th anniversary of Independence.
For a short time, the Embassy said they initiated cooperation in different fields with Bangladesh.
With the engagement of two parties, bilateral trade is increasing day by day, the cooperation between our institutions is at a satisfactory level, Bangladeshi students for the first time in history started to choose Kosovo as their destination for high education, Kosovar companies started to employ Bangladeshi personnel, it sad.
Read: Bangladesh, Australia eye larger trade, investment ties
Kosovo said they will continue demonstrating the seriousness of being a functional State and reliable partner with all its institutions as an international legal entity.
As a young country, Kosovo set out the goal for more social peace, more freedom, more justice, and more commitment to sustainable development.
"Despite some difficulties the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo are immensely proud of the progress of the country since its independence," said the Embassy in a message.
Kosovo has many reasons to be hopeful for a better future, it said.
"This year in our economic growth percentage reached two digits. During these years, besides State and institutional level and private sector`s achievements we are also proud of the success of our people in every field, especially in arts and sports," said the embassy.
The Republic of Kosovo is committed to establish strong democracy inside and having peaceful and constructive relations with all the international legal entities.
Bangladesh, Australia eye larger trade, investment ties
Bangladesh and Australia have discussed ways to expand trade and identify scopes for investment between the two countries that eye to emerge as key trade partners.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Australia Sufiur Rahman had a “fruitful” meeting with Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism, and Investment Dan Tehan at his parliament office on Thursday and expressed their confidence to realise immense potentials so as to emerge as key trade partners.
The meeting was held ahead of the upcoming Joint Working Group’s (formed under Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement signed on 15 September 2021) meeting scheduled to be held on February 22 in Canberra.
Also read: Singapore upbeat about Bangladesh’s economic potential
They expressed that the JWG would operationalise TIFA beyond optics, and advance trade and investment interactions for mutual benefit.
Australia has recently announced to commission multiple studies to identify key opportunities in Bangladesh for Australian businesses in the infrastructure, IT, mining, and other potential sectors, that the Bangladesh High Commission has repeatedly been advocating for the last three years.
The meeting was attended by Gary Cowan, First Assistant Secretary North and South Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Lachlan Smith, Adviser to the Minister.
Also read: Mauritius praises Bangladesh’s socio-economic transformation
Singapore upbeat about Bangladesh’s economic potential
President of Singapore Halimah Yacob has said Singapore remains one of the top investors in Bangladesh, and continues to be upbeat about Bangladesh’s economic potential.
"Singapore also appreciates the important contributions of the Bangladeshi community in Singapore, including towards our country’s development," she said in a message to her Bangladesh counterpart Abdul Hamid.
Read:Mauritius praises Bangladesh’s socio-economic transformation
Bangladesh and Singapore commemorated the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations that was established on February 16, 1972.
Singapore was among the first few countries that accorded recognition to an Independent Bangladesh early into her independence.
The Presidents of the two friendly countries exchanged messages of felicitations and greetings on the auspicious occasion of 50 years of bilateral relations.
In their messages, President Abdul Hamid and President Halimah Yacob expressed deep satisfaction at the strong bilateral relationship that exists between the two friendly nations.
Both the leaders committed to further strengthening and consolidating the bilateral relations in the next 50 years and beyond.
"On behalf of the people of the Republic of Singapore, I extend best wishes to you and the people of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on the joyous occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries," said the President of Singapore.
Singapore was the first Southeast Asian country to establish diplomatic relations with Bangladesh in 1972. Since then, the bilateral ties have continued to grow and prosper in a meaningful and mutually beneficial manner, said President Yacob.
Despite the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, she said, Singapore and Bangladesh have continued to keep up with exchanges and strengthened cooperation.
"I’m confident that we’ll be able to take the bilateral ties between our two countries to greater heights in the years ahead," said the President of Singapore.
Read:MoU signed to network non-government Australian stakeholders
In his message to President Halimah Yacob, President Hamid said, "I’m pleased to note that Singapore remained a steadfast friend and partner in our march towards development and progress."
He said their time-tested friendship is underpinned by common interests and close cooperation across a broad spectrum of areas including people-to-people ties, trade, investment, business, health and tourism.
"I firmly believe that the last fifty years provided a solid foundation for our partnership in the next 50 years and beyond," said President Hamid.
He wished continued good health, peace, prosperity and happiness for his Singapore counterpart and for the friendly people of Singapore.
FM Momen embarks on Europe tour Thursday
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen leaves for Germany on Thursday morning from where he is scheduled to visit Paris, France to attend a number of events, including bilateral engagements.
He will attend the "58th Munich Security Conference" in Germany to be held at the usual venue in Munich, the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, from February 18 to 20, officials here said.
The MSC 2022 will remain true to its traditional formats but will welcome fewer guests and media representatives as well as smaller delegations to ensure the health and safety of its participants and the Munich public, according to the organisers.
"Our world is in danger. Traditional certainties are crumbling, threats and vulnerabilities are multiplying, and the rules-based order is increasingly under attack. The need for dialogue has never been greater,” said Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of Munich Security Conference.
Also read: Bangladesh an important security partner, says US
Dr Momen is scheduled to leave Munich for Paris on February 21 and attend "Ministerial Forum” for the cooperation in the Indo Pacific to be held there on February 22.
The French government has invited a host of foreign ministers from across Asia, the Pacific and East Africa to its capital on February 22 for the meeting with their European counterparts and top European Union officials.
Together with the High Representative, the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union will hold the Ministerial Forum, bringing together the Member States, the European Commission and Indo-Pacific partner countries.
The forum will address specific challenges related to security and defence, and digital and connectivity issues in the context of the Global Gateway initiative to develop infrastructure worldwide, as well as global challenges such as global health, climate change, biodiversity and the protection of oceans.
Also read: Appointed PR firm, not lobbyist, to change wrong perception: FM
Mauritius praises Bangladesh’s socio-economic transformation
Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius Louis Steven Obeegadoo has described Bangladesh as a shining example of development and noted “miraculous progress” that Bangladesh achieved in the socio-economic sector over the last one decade.
Obeegadoo praised Bangladesh and its growth when Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Prime Minister at his office in Port Louis, Mauritius on Tuesday.
Read: Bangladesh, Mauritius eye Minister-level visits; see vast potential
The Deputy Prime Minister commented that the people of his generation get inspiration from Bangladesh's Liberation War.
He expressed satisfaction at the way Bangladesh handled the Covid-19 situation to protect its people and bring back the economy on the right track.
Mujib: Bangladesh’s first graphic novel on real life super hero hits book fair
In a world gripped by a growing craze for graphic novels, Bangladesh has presented its own based not on imaginary characters but a real-life hero.
The Mujib Graphic novel, depicting Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's life in ten instalments, is Bangladesh's answer to the American DC comics and the Japanese Manga.
The country's millennial can now do without the Demon Slayer or Watch the Titans.
They can enjoy the amazing story of a boy from a rural outback rise like a Titan to slay the demon - the Pakistani military junta, said a press release.
Read: Fair-weather fans unwelcome: Radwan Mujib
Bangladesh reiterates call to Canada for deportation of killer Nur Chy
Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Lilly Nicholls has said she will convey to her government Bangladesh's request to deport Nur Chowdhury, the self-confessed and convicted killer of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“The issue was raised (by Bangladesh) and we understand it’s an important issue for Bangladesh. I’ll convey this to my capital,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday afternoon after her meeting with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen held at the latter's office.
Read:Bangladesh pushes for killer Nur Chy’s deportation from Canada
Bangladesh, being a time-tested partner of Canada, reiterated its long-standing request for the deportation of Bangabandhu's killer, Momen said.
While talking to reporters in the evening, Momen said he the envoy that Canada should not be a refuge for the murderers and urged the Canadian government to deport the killer.
“This killer has been living in Canada as a fugitive for close to thirty years. Canada being known as the proponent for promotion and protection of human rights, and rule of law, the two countries can work together to agree on some modalities for the deportation of this heinous killer and flagrant violator of human rights,” said Momen in a recent message.
MoU signed to network non-government Australian stakeholders
Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra and Cross Sector Development Partnerships Initiative (XSPI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to complement the existing Australian government development assistance.
The purpose of the recently signed MoU is to identify potential project opportunities, ventures, and areas of collaboration of mutual interests and network with stakeholders through a process of non-binding consultation, said the High Commission on Wednesday.
Read:Bangladesh-US air exercise begins on Feb 20
Initially four priority sectors - ready-made garments, infrastructure, energy and power, health and private capital investment have been identified.
At the workshop held following the signing ceremony, the parties agreed to commence collaboration on the four priority sectors above with initial health sector focus on dengue fever.
In addition, a dialogue has commenced on the investment and financial services conference to be held this year.
Bangladesh-US air exercise begins on Feb 20
A six-day bilateral tactical airlift exercise between the air forces of Bangladesh and the US will begin in this country on February 20.
The six-day exercise -- 'Cope South 22' -- will be held at Dhaka's Kurmitola Cantonment and Operating Location-Alpha in Sylhet, and is aimed at bolstering bilateral ties through tactical airlift sorties and subject-matter expert exchanges, the US Pacific Air Force said in a press release on Wednesday.
Read:MoU signed to network non-government Australian stakeholders
Some 77 US airmen from the 374th Airlift Wing of Yokota Air Base in Japan, along with two Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from the 36th Airlift Squadron (AS) will join approximately 300 Bangladesh Air Force personnel and two Bangladeshi C-130Js for the exercise, it said.
The goals of the Pacific Air Forces-sponsored bilateral tactical airlift exercise include improving interoperability with the Bangladesh Air Force and supporting the armed forces of the Bangladesh’s long-term modernisa tion efforts in order to maintain regional stability.
This will be done by conducting flight operations to include aircraft generation and recovery, daytime low-level navigation, tactical airdrop, and air-land missions, as well as subject-matter expert exchanges in the operations, maintenance and rigging career fields, according to the US Pacific Air Force.
"The Bangladesh Air Force is one of our most important regional partners, and Cope South allows us to strengthen this partnership through tactical airlift sorties and subject-matter expert exchanges,” said Lt Col Kira Coffey, 36AS Director of Operations.
“This is critical to bolstering regional stability for our shared goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific."
Since 2020, the US has provided over $121 million in Covid-related assistance to Bangladesh.
As this year’s Cope South will be the first iteration since the start of the pandemic, health measures will be in place for the protection of participating forces and the Bangladesh population.
Read:Bangladesh, Mauritius eye Minister-level visits; see vast potential
“Covid-19 has only accelerated the need to improve our ability to work together during a potential humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenario,” the Lt Col said.
In a joint statement released on June 11, 2019, by the US Department of State, the two governments reaffirmed their commitment to enduring partnership, highlighting close cooperation on security, development, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and counterterrorism.
The two governments had also agreed to continue to cooperate closely to advance a shared vision of a free and open, inclusive, peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific region.
Bangladesh, Mauritius eye Minister-level visits; see vast potential
Mauritius Foreign Minister Alan Ganoo has invited a Bangladesh delegation led by his counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen including businesspeople, IT experts and entrepreneurs to explore the possible areas of collaboration and investment.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen also invited Mauritius Foreign Minister Ganoo and Foreign Secretary Haymandoyal Dillum to visit Bangladesh this year at a time convenient to them.
Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen discussed the areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and Mauritius during his three-day official visit to Port Louis, Mauritius that ended on Tuesday.
The Foreign Secretary, Secretary (MAU) Md. Khurshed Alam and other members of the Bangladesh delegation visited "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Street" located in the heart of the city, in Plaine Verte and paid tribute to the greatest Bangalee of all time Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.