Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said the situation in Gaza is not only a classic example of ethnic cleansing but also genocide by a state power assisted by leaders of “the free world and proponents of human rights, humanitarian laws and all moral and ethical values.” “Israel-Gaza war is not a war at all. It is, in fact, barbaric and collective punishment and killing of a captive group of innocent men and women and especially children who cannot be combatants,” he said while speaking at the 8th Extraordinary Islamic Summit in Riyadh on Saturday (November 11, 2023). The Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit was held in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people. Read more: Israel must stop killing babies and women in Gaza: Macron tells BBC Momen said it is destroying cities and towns, hopes and aspirations of a nation, and calculated deprivation of an occupied people of their rights – to food, shelter, water, essential medicines, fuel and electricity, and of course, a decent life.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday (November 01, 2023) thanked the countries, especially neighbouring India, noting that they actively supported Bangladesh’s campaign for Saima Wazed’s win in the WHO South East Asia Regional Director election. “I must thank all the countries, especially India. They helped in our campaign. They actively supported our candidature,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Saima Wazed has been nominated, through an election, as the Regional Director (RD) of the South East Asia Regional Organization (SEARO) of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the term 2024-2028. Bangladesh candidate Saima Wazed wins WHO SEARO Director election The election took place during the 76th session of the Regional Committee for SEARO, the annual governing body meeting of WHO at the regional level, in New Delhi today (November 01, 2023). The election was held by secret ballot with the participation of the 10 member states of the SEARO which were eligible for voting. Saima Wazed bagged eight votes in the bid while the other candidate Dr Shambhu Prasad Acharya, nominated by the Government of Nepal, secured two votes. “I expected 9 votes. Thank God. It was a big challenge. All of us worked very hard. We maintained a very decent campaign,” the foreign minister said. Momen, however, expressed displeasure over mudslinging by a certain group against the Bangladesh candidate. “I found her excellent in technical knowledge and she is also a good organiser,” said the foreign minister. Nomination for WHO Regional Director: Top health experts of the country laud Saima Wazed’s leadership abilities This election with overwhelming support reflects the recognition of Saima’s passion and relentless work in public health and demonstrates the confidence and trust of the region in her leadership skills, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi said. “Thank you to WHO SEARO Member States for choosing me to be their next Regional Director,” Saima Wazed said in reaction. She paid tribute to the outgoing Regional Director Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, for her decade of service to the public health of the region. “A special tribute as well for my fellow nominee in this race, Dr. Acharya. In his long and distinguished career, he has been an invaluable asset to WHO - and I hope our region will continue to benefit from his knowledge and experience,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I look forward to building a healthier South-East Asia,” she added. The nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 154th session of the WHO Executive Board, which takes place from January 22 to 27, 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. The newly appointed regional director will take office on February 1, 2024 for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once. WHO regional director election: Momen conveys Bangladesh’s gratitude to Thailand for support to Saima Wazed Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, conducted an effective campaign in favour of the Bangladesh candidature since the very beginning of the election process. The SEARO is one of the six regions of WHO with its headquarters in New Delhi, India. It comprises 11 countries, namely, Bangladesh, Bhutan, DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor Leste. The SEARO is headed by the RD who is nominated by the members of the SEARO countries. Saima Wazed presents souvenir to PM Modi in presence of PM Hasina

Diplomatic missions in Dhaka on Monday called on all stakeholders to exercise “restraint, eschew violence and work together” to create the conditions for free, fair, participatory, and peaceful elections. The missions in a joint statement also expressed deep concern over the recent violence during political gatherings in Dhaka. “The governments of Australia, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States are deeply concerned by the political violence during political gatherings in Dhaka on 28 October,” said the joint statement signed by the embassies and high commissions of the countries. The countries extended their condolences for the loss of life and to those injured. The statement came hours before the scheduled briefing of the government for the diplomats. The government will brief diplomats stationed in Dhaka, representatives of UN agencies and international organizations on the current situation in Bangladesh this afternoon. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will brief the diplomats at state guesthouse Jamuna at 4 pm. Senior Cabinet members and officials of the government will attend the briefing.

The government of Bangladesh will brief diplomats stationed in Dhaka, representatives of UN agencies and international organizations on the current situation in Bangladesh this afternoon (October 30, 2023). Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will brief the diplomats at state guesthouse Jamuna at 4 pm. Senior Cabinet members and officials of the government will attend the briefing. Read more: EU, its Member States “deeply saddened” to see loss of life, violence in Dhaka

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today (October 28, 2023) said other countries should also come up with baskets of money and affordable proposals, instead of intimidation and giving advice, if they want to beat China. "If you want to beat China, you should come with basket of money and affordable proposals like the Chinese. Only advice does not satisfy us," he said while talking to reporters. The foreign minister mentioned that he said this during both the recent US and Europe visits. Salman F. Rahman, US Under Secretary Uzra Zeya acknowledge the only means to change govt is through elections Earlier, he spoke at a seminar on “Navigating Challenges: Bangladesh’s Response to the Current Global Situation” at the Foreign Service Academy as the chief guest.  Diplomats World, a diplomatic magazine, hosted the seminar. Describing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Europe visit as “very successful,” Momen said the European countries listened to Bangladesh and they are now coming up with funds.  He said the European leaders highly appreciated Bangladesh’s leadership and development.  "This is a great achievement for Bangladesh," he said. Momen said many countries want to sell their products while trying to put pressure in the name of human rights and democracy.  He said Bangladesh does not want to purchase military equipment now as the priority is to ensure people's welfare.  US does not take a side on internal political matters: Spokesperson The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions. Together, they aim to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen together with Prime Minister Hasina on Wednesday launched the negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to expand and develop the relationship between the EU and Bangladesh at the Global Gateway Forum. USAID official highlights US support for Bangladesh’s economic development On this occasion, the EU, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Bangladesh signed agreements worth €400 million for renewable energy projects to contribute to a sustainable green transition of Bangladesh's power sector. It is also aimed at meeting the country's climate mitigation targets. Five additional cooperation actions, worth €70 million, supporting education, decent work, green construction, e-governance and the prevention of gender-based violence were also launched. President Ursula von der Leyen said: “The EU and Bangladesh have been reliable and trusted partners for 50 years. Now, we are taking this partnership even further, to reap the opportunities of the green transition under Global Gateway. The European Commission, the EIB and Bangladesh will join forces to support renewable energy and tackle climate change. This €400 million investment will make a difference for the people of Bangladesh and its economy.”

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Sunday (October 22, 2023) described Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to Brussels as “extremely significant” which will help take Bangladesh’s ties with the European Union (EU) to a new height. “This is a very significant visit. This is an achievement for us,” he told reporters, noting that the visit is happening at a “crucial moment.” Asked why it is a crucial time, Momen referred to the upcoming general election of Bangladesh. “We hope the visit will be very successful and fruitful.” The prime minister will be visiting Brussels from October 24-26 at the invitation of European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen. Also read: PM Hasina to attend Global Gateway Forum 2023 in Brussels this month: Momen The foreign minister said that the EU will provide Euro 407 million to Bangladesh in the form of concessional loans and grants. Of this, Euro 350 million will be concessional loans, he said. Responding to a question, the foreign minister said the EU will send a seven-member team and Bangladesh will not spend money on foreign election observers. The prime minister will attend the Global Gateway Forum, which will bring together representatives of governments from the European Union and around the world along with the private sector, civil society, leading thinkers, financing institutions, and international organisations. The event will be held in the Belgian capital on October 25, 26. The prime minister will hold bilateral meetings with European Commission Vice President and European Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday. The two sides are likely to shed light on taking the 50-year relations to new a height, Momen said. Also read: Foreigners should watch Mujib biopic to know Bangladesh, its history: Momen A loan agreement worth 350 million Euros will be signed between the Economic Relations Division and European Investment Bank during the visit. The PM will deliver her speech at the opening plenary session of the Global Gateway Forum which will be held for the first time. She will also hold a meeting with European Investment Bank President Dr Werner Hoyer, Momen said. European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič and Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen will separately meet the prime minister. She will attend a dinner to be hosted by the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Also read: No one wins by killing innocent people: Momen tells OIC meeting in Jeddah PM Hasina will also attend a civic reception to be arranged by Bangladeshi expatriates in Belgium. She is scheduled to leave for Brussels on Tuesday morning by a commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. She will leave Brussels on Thursday night and arrive in Dhaka on Friday, said Momen who will accompany the premier. President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, invited PM Hasina when they met at the G20 Summit recently. The EU's Global Gateway strategy connects countries and regions around the world by encouraging public and private investments in a global network of transportation and supply chains, green energy, modern telecommunications, education and research, with an emphasis on sustainable development and European values, such as good governance, transparency and equal partnership.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has ruled out any tension in Bangladesh-US relations following the State Department’s announcement of initiating visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals. “We have no tension with the US,” he told reporters in Manhattan on Saturday (September 23, 2023), noting that the US will not grant visas to those who will try to foil the upcoming election in Bangladesh. Also read: Bangladesh fully committed to nuclear disarmament: Momen The foreign minister said that US President Joe Biden wants to strengthen the existing friendly relations with Bangladesh in the next 50 years. “I am confident our partnership will continue to flourish for the next 50 years and beyond,” Biden wrote in a letter sent to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina marking the 50-year milestone in the bilateral relationship between the US and Bangladesh. Also read: Bangladesh among more than 30 countries approved to trade in rouble: Russian Embassy US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya said the visa policy announcement affirms the United States’ commitment to “free, fair and peaceful” elections worldwide and supports efforts of partners in the Government of Bangladesh, civil society, and media to ensure democratic elections that reflect the will of Bangladeshis. Earlier, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said that Bangladesh has nothing to lose and they are not worried about the visa restrictions issue, as they are doing nothing wrong. Also read: Visa restrictions: US didn’t issue any statement regarding anyone in particular, says Home Minister Talking to reporters at his residence on Friday night, the state minister also said there is no reason to see further sanctions from the US before the next election as the government has received assurance from the US. The United States has said it will not release the names or numbers of people in Bangladesh who would face visa restrictions. Also read: 'Nothing to lose' from visa restrictions: Shahriar Alam “Visa records are confidential under US law,” Embassy Spokesperson Bryan Schiller told UNB on Friday. But, he said, the US government has looked very closely at incidents since they announced the visa policy. “After a careful review of the evidence, we have imposed visa restrictions on members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition,” Schiller added.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday (August 31, 2023) said Bangladesh would welcome France’s proposal to set up a satellite factory in the country. "They (France) actually proposed setting up a satellite factory back in 2021. We would welcome it," Momen told reporters at a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read: India is a mature govt, they can say something for regional interest: Momen France also proposed a second satellite for Bangladesh. Earlier, France manufactured the first satellite for Bangladesh, named Bangabandhu-1. The relevant issues are likely to be discussed during the upcoming visit of France President Emmanuel Macron which is likely to begin on September 11. Foreign Minister Momen on Wednesday said Bangladesh and France would discuss ways to enhance trade and investment between the two countries apart from discussing issues like climate change and regulated migration if President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron visits Bangladesh next month. Bangladesh will welcome him as an initiative has been taken for his visit to Bangladesh after the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi, he said. Read: Chandrayaan-3 a glowing testament to what India can achieve with passion: Indian Cabinet “The President of France has been invited to visit Bangladesh and if he comes, Bangladesh will welcome him,” he told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy. He, however, did not want to mention the date of his arrival in Dhaka. "We are yet to finalize it. We are working on this." President Macron is likely to be here on September 11 to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a diplomatic source told UNB. He will leave Dhaka on September 12. However, there is no official announcement regarding the visit that is seen as further efforts to deepen ties between the two countries on all key fronts. “Women empowerment, enhancing trade and commerce and regulated migration – these are normal issues. Climate change is a big issue. The President of France has taken a leadership role,” Momen said, adding that Bangladesh will raise the loss and damage issue and its making functional of its relevant fund in a big way.  Read: Momen to hold talks with Russian FM Lavrov September 7 At the invitation of the President of the French Republic, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited France in November, 2021. Apart from holding bilateral talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the French President will visit Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in city's Dhanmondi to pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman The two leaders are scheduled to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10. France and Bangladesh welcomed the growth of their friendship, and highlighted their shared will to develop and deepen all aspects of their partnership through regular political consultations for strategic guidance. Read: Cooperation framework to be developed to tackle organized crimes, address challenges Both countries reiterated their determination to enhance cooperation in all areas, including politics and diplomacy, defence and security, trade and investment, sustainable development and climate change, and education and cultural exchange. Both countries also recognized the importance of sustained and substantive cooperation in relevant regional and multilateral fora. Bangladesh and France stated their will to further develop the defence and security component of their partnership. To that end, both countries agreed to strengthen dialogue and continue their cooperation, in particular the area of training, which was launched during this visit. Furthermore, they committed to stepping up cooperation in the area of defence equipment based on the needs expressed and each party’s ability to respond to them, including through capacity building and potential technology transfer. In this regard, both parties welcomed the signing of a Letter of intent on defence cooperation. France and Bangladesh shared the same vision for a free, open, peaceful, secure and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, based on international law and with shared prosperity for all.

- Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s participation at the G20 Summit in New Delhi will add yet another feather to the ‘Golden Chapter’ in Dhaka-Delhi ties. "We look forward to working together with G20 partners to find multi-dimensional solutions to the multiple crises plaguing our world," he said. The Foreign Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the opening session of a discussion titled “G20 Summit: Dhaka to New Delhi”, at Foreign Service Academy. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, Ambassador Mohammad Ziauddin, who is discharging his responsibilities as the Bangladesh Sherpa for G20, and President of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry and G20 Employer Advocate Selima Ahmad, MP spoke at the opening session. The recognition by G20 — under the Indian Presidency — that the status quo is no longer sustainable for multilateralism to function is a major turn-around, Momen said. The Foreign Minister hoped that Bangladesh can make visible and meaningful contributions to the G20 processes through multi-stakeholder participation. The Prime Minister has been invited to the Summit to be held in New Delhi on September 9-10, and she guided the nature and level of engagements with the different G20 processes. “We thank them as they have honored us. We are among the nine countries which are invited. We feel very honored,” Foreign Minister Momen told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read more: Bangladesh's prosperity under Sheikh Hasina's leadership highly commendable: US Congressman Robert Pittenger

Bangladesh thinks the group of major emerging economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) — should not be considered “platform of geopolitics”, but a supportive platform for emerging economies to help developing countries. “The developed countries should be happy that the BRICS emerging countries, who have resources, would like to help developing countries,” Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told journalists at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Johannesburg, South Africa to attend the BRICS Summit 2023. The briefing was arranged to highlight PM Hasina’s engagements at the BRICS Summit. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Ministry Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin, among others, were present. Read: India is a mature govt, they can say something for regional interest: Momen Momen said it should be win-win for all the countries though some people speak more about the geopolitical tension for some reason. The BRICS will hold its 15th heads of state and government summit in Johannesburg from August 22 to 24. Momen, however, said the countries of the Global South are facing difficulties as many banks were expelled from the SWIFT, a bank messaging system for transacting dollars. “Many speak about de-dollarisation, but it is not easy. We don’t have much to comment on this,” he said. Read: BRICS Summit: Hasina, Modi likely to hold meeting on the sidelines “So, if the emerging countries support us with funding, the developed countries should be happy. In that case, their responsibilities will be shared. None is their enemy,” Momen added. Indian Prime Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are among the global leaders who are traveling to South Africa this week for the BRICS Summit. India and China are two core members of the BRICS nations, which also include Brazil, Russia and South Africa. A regular flight (EK 583) of the Emirates Airlines is scheduled to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) with Prime Minister Hasina and her entourage members at 10:15 am on August 22. The flight will arrive at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa at 20:50 hrs after a short stopover at the Dubai International Airport. Read: US being profoundly vocal on human rights should hand over Bangabandhu’s self-confessed killer: Shahriar Alam The Prime Minister will be received by a minister-in-waiting of the South Africa government and High Commissioner of Bangladesh to South Africa at the airport from where Sheikh Hasina will be escorted to the Place of Residence, Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton Johannesburg. On her first day of engagement in Johannesburg, the Prime Minister will attend the Bangladesh Trade and Business Summit at 10 am at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Center on August 23. On the same day, she will attend and speak at the Bangladesh Envoys Conference in South Africa at the Palace of Residence at 12:30 pm. The Premier is likely to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President XI Jinping at Hotel Hilton, Sandton at 3:30 pm. Read: Busy schedule awaits PM Hasina during her BRICS visit to South Africa She will later attend a banquet and cultural show at the Gallagher Estate, Johannesburg. On August 24, the Prime Minister will attend the Friends of BRICS Leaders Dialogue (BRICS-Africa Outreach and the BRICS Plus Dialogues) to begin from 9 am at the Sandton Convention Centre. She is scheduled to deliver a speech at the summit for five minutes. On the sideline of the summit, the Prime Minister is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi and President of the New Development Bank Dilma Vana Rousseff at the Sandton Convention Centre. She will attend a luncheon hosted by President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa. The Premier will attend a meeting of the community leaders on August 25. Sheikh Hasina will depart the O.R. Tambo International Airport by a flight (EK 762) of the Emirates Airlines at 13:40 pm (local time) and will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:40 pm on August 27 following a brief stopover at the Dubai International Airport. Read more: Bangladesh's inclusion in BRICS depends on members: Foreign Minister