“We should carry forward the solidarity and cooperative spirit of helping each other in difficult times and strengthen mutual trust to make Asia a harmonious region of lasting peace and common prosperity,” said State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam.

He was addressing at the informal meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Ministers of Foreign Affairs during the 73rd UNGA in New York on Monday. 

The State Minister said the need to formulate a collective response to common challenges is more important than ever. 

“Though facing more risk and challenges, Asia today is still the most promising region in the world. Peace, development and win-win cooperation are the main trend in the region,” he said.

Bangladesh proposed enhancing the institutional capacity of CICA, deepening exchanges and cooperation in various fields; strengthen inclusiveness and openness of CICA.

“Bangladesh will continue to work with other CICA members to implement the consensus grounded on mutual trust and dialogue,” Shahriar said.

He said Bangladesh will promote a peaceful, stable and cooperative new Asia as the common goal of members for CICA’s third decade. 

The State Minister said Bangladesh has been actively participating in most CICA activities since its joining in 2014.

“It’s encouraging to note that CICA has gained a foothold as a platform for trustful dialogue, mutual understanding and equal partnership between member states,” he said.