Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Friday reiterated the importance of sustainable regional peace and stability, emphasizing the need to work together for long-term benefits.
He noted the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, making Global South countries economically and politically more vulnerable.
Momen was speaking at the Foreign Ministers' Session of the '2nd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS 2.0),' hosted by India, although held virtually.
The session was chaired by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.
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Foreign Minister Momen emphasized the need to ‘reward rather than punish’ the countries graduating from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) group, and urged the continuation of duty-free and quota-free market access for the graduating LDCs for at least six years.
He also called for collective efforts to fulfill commitments in reducing and limiting global temperature rise, urging developed countries to provide more climate finance and technologies.
Besides, the foreign minister advocated for necessary reforms in multilateral institutions, international financial architecture, and terms of trade, ensuring greater representation of Global South countries in decision-making processes.
Momen urged support from the world for the early repatriation of 1.2 million Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals, i.e. the Rohingyas in the refugee camps of Cox's Bazar, back to Myanmar.
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He expressed his conviction that collaboration between India and Bangladesh can catalyze in promoting the interest of Global South in the region and beyond.
Momen stressed the need for unity, collaboration and shared vision highlighting its significance in driving joint efforts towards the betterment of the Global South.
He thanked India for their dedication in upholding the issues of the Global South during its G20 Presidency.
The theme of the session attended by the foreign minister was ‘India & the Global South: Emerging Together for a Better Future.’
The session was attended by foreign ministers from Global South countries namely Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Djibouti, Mongolia, Cambodia, among others.
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Momen reflected on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed the interconnectedness of unity among nations, stating, "Nobody is safe until everybody is safe."
He highlighted the policy of shared prosperity embraced by Bangladesh and India under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, fostering inclusive development and a culture of peace in the region.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spoke at the inaugural session of the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit joined by world leaders and chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
