Bangladesh's partnership with countries in the Indian Ocean will become stronger through hosting the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Dhaka on May 12-13, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said on Wednesday. Mauritius President Prithvirajsing Roopun, minister and state minister-level delegation from 25 countries including Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend the conference. Briefing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Momen also said around 150 foreign guests will participate in the conference including representatives from D8, SAARC and BIMSTEC. The participating ministers will also visit Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 to pay respect to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh maintains good relations with Mauritius and the relations will further strengthen through the visit of the country's president. Responding to a question, Dr Momen said Myanmar was not invited to the conference. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the conference at a Dhaka hotel on May 12. The Prime Minister will also host a dinner in honour of the guests. The 6th edition of the conference is being organised by India Foundation in association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh. With the theme of “Peace, Prosperity and Partnership for a Resilient Future”, the conference would bring together a luminary gathering of key stakeholders to chart the roadmap for strengthening the Indian Ocean Region. External Affairs Minister of India Dr S. Jaishankar will deliver the keynote address of the evening alongside special addresses by the Deputy Secretary of State of USA Wendy Sherman and Vice President of Maldives Faisal Naseem. The inaugural session will also be graced by the presence of Foreign Minister Dr Momen and Foreign Minister of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. The Foreign Minister of Singapore (Dr Vivian Balakrishnan) will be represented by Dr Maliki Osman, Minister in the Prime Ministers' Office and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore. Official delegations led by Heads of State/Government, Deputy Heads, Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Senior Officials from 27 countries and multilateral organisations will address the conference on May 13. The conference will also bring together a gathering of over 300 social and corporate leaders, policy practitioners, scholars, professionals and media personnel from over 40 countries. The Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) was started in 2016 and in the last six years it has emerged as the "flagship consultative forum" for countries in the region on regional affairs. The conference endeavours to bring critical states and principal maritime partners of the region together on a common platform to deliberate upon the prospects of regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). The first edition of the conference was held in Singapore in 2016. It was attended by over 300 delegates from 22 countries including ministers, political leaders, diplomats, strategic thinkers, academics, and media.

Foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen has urged South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) secretary general Esala Weerakoon to play an objective role in transforming SAARC into a meaningful regional organization. The foreign secretary, during a meeting at state guesthouse Padma on Tuesday, advised the secretary general to explore all possible ways and means to find solutions to the existing difficulties in an innovative way through continuous consultation of member states. Also read:Bangladesh’s role sought to save SAARC from existing difficulties Masud Momen appreciated the secretary general's active role in coordinating, facilitating, managing SAARC matters especially during the difficult time of COVID 19 pandemic. The secretary general apprised the foreign secretary about various aspects of current status of  SAARC cooperation and challenges the organization has been facing and sought Bangladesh's support in activating various stalled activities and programmes of SAARC to resolve the stalemate. The foreign secretary and the secretary general exchanged views on how best SAARC process could be revitalized and put to its regular path to exploit the full potentials and benefits of the institutional mechanism and the synergy the organization created over the last thirty seven years of its existence. Also read:Kuwait can recruit more medical professionals from Bangladesh: Shahriar Alam They discussed different aspects of current activities of SAARC. The foreign secretary assured the secretary general of Bangladesh's commitment to SAARC and to extend every possible support to materialize the goals of SAARC to achieve a sustainable and integrated development in the region through cooperation under the SAARC system.  After the meeting the Foreign Secretary hosted a luncheon in honor of the SAARC secretary general at the state guesthouse Padma.

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Secretary General Esala Weerakoon has appealed to Bangladesh for its “intervention” to save the SAARC process from the existing “difficulties.” The SAARC Secretary General made the appeal to State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam during a meeting  at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. Also read: With Saarc in doldrums, regional integration must be sought in other forums The State Minister welcomed Esala Weerakoon and talked about different aspects of current activities of SAARC. During their discussion, the Secretary General recalled the role of Bangladesh since the inception of SAARC as a visionary idea of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to form regional cooperation and connection among the South Asian countries. He praised the willingness of Bangladesh to activate and motivate the various modalities of regional cooperation within the SAARC system, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also read: Saarc FMs' meet on UN assembly sidelines called off over Afghanistan The State Minister assured Bangladesh's commitment to extend every possible support to materialize the goals of SAARC and to achieve a sustainable and integrated development in the region through cooperation. Aloam advised the Secretary General to continue his consultation with member states and urged to revitalize SAARC Cooperation to face the growing challenge that the region is facing.

Saarc Foreign Ministers' planned in person meeting on the sidelines of the 76th United Nations General Assembly has been cancelled as there was “no concurrence” among the member states. “The informal meeting of the Saarc Council of Ministers’ proposed to be held in person on September 25 on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York will not take place,” the Kathmandu Post reported quoting a statement of the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Nepal informed that the meeting is not taking place "due to the lack of concurrence from all member states as of today." Read: Afghanistan’s Taliban want to address General Assembly: UN In the lead-up to the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Nepal was in predicament over the meeting of the foreign ministers of Saarc (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). The meeting, though it is held informally, has been a long-standing tradition, said the Kathmandu Post. But given the recent developments in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover, Nepal, the current chair of Saarc, was in confusion, reads the report. Afghanistan joined the regional bloc in 2007 to become its eighth member. Read:Taliban replace ministry for women with ‘virtue’ authorities The Saarc Secretariat then accordingly corresponded with member states regarding the cancellation of the meeting. This time, Nepal, as Sarrc chair, wanted to conduct an in-person meeting so as to make a push for moving the Sarrc process forward. As per the tradition, it has to send formal invitations to all member states.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday expressed deepest condolence and grief at the sad demise of Ambassador Q. A. M. A. Rahim, the seventh Secretary General of SAARC. “Ambassador Rahim was a distinguished Bangladeshi diplomat and I remember his contribution to our beloved motherland and in improving the SAARC process as the Secretary General," Dr Momen said. Read:2 senior UN officials in city; visit to Bhasan Char planned The Foreign Minister extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family members and prayed for salvation of the departed soul.  He also prayed to the Almighty to grant his family members courage to bear this irreparable loss.  Read:FAO lauds Hasina's leadership in attaining food security in Bangladesh Q.A.M.A. Rahim, a Bangladeshi diplomat who served as the seventh secretary-general of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation from January 11, 2002 to February 28, 2005, passed away on Monday. Rahim breathed his last at 12:30pm on Monday. He was 80.  He left behind his wife, two sons, host of relatives and well wishers to mourn his death. He was buried at Uttara, sector  12 after Namaj-e-Janaza (after Asr prayers)

Bangladesh has said regional connectivity is one of the most important means of trade and that Bangladesh’s unique geographical location in the region provides an opportunity for all countries in the SAARC, BIMSTEC and BCIM to be connected by road.  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came up with the view during her conversation with her Bhutanese counterpart Dr Lotay Tshering.  She reiterated the offer to Bhutan for full access to Bangladesh’s seaports, according to a joint statement between Bangladesh and Bhutan issued on Wednesday night.  The Prime Ministers noted the substantial progress made in the past towards signing an MoU among Bangladesh, Bhutan and India on trilateral cooperation in hydroelectricity.  In order to move forward, they agreed that a Secretary-level meeting among the three countries should take place at an early date. They also decided to explore the possibility of bilateral cooperation in this sector. Dr Tshering thanked the government of Bangladesh for its support towards the establishment of the Third International Internet Gateway and Bhutan’s proposal to purchase bandwidth from Bangladesh, which will ensure the reliability of internet and communications for Bhutan.  The discussions between the agencies concerned of the two governments are at an advanced stage and he expressed the hope that the two sides will soon be able to agree on a rate that is mutually acceptable.  Also read: I'm here to hear Bangladesh story sitting next to Hasina: Bhutanese PM The two Prime Ministers agreed to explore the possibilities of rail connectivity between Bangladesh and Bhutan through the recently inaugurated Chilahati-Haldibari rail interlink between Bangladesh and India.  The Prime Minister of Bhutan, who arrived on March 23 on a state visit, is scheduled to leave here for home on Thursday morning. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will see him off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.  Dr Tshering paid the visit as the Special Representative of Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, King of Bhutan, to celebrate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence.  He was accompanied by senior officials of the Royal government of Bhutan and a cultural delegation. The visit of Dr Tshering to Bangladesh at a time of the global pandemic is an exceptional gesture of friendship and goodwill that so happily exist between the two countries. He laid a floral wreath at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar as a mark of respect to the memory of the sacrifices of the great freedom fighters of Bangladesh.  He also visited the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum to pay tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Dr Tshering paid a courtesy call on President Abdul Hamid. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hosted a banquet in honour of Dr Lotay Tshering. Also read: PM for building infrastructures to reap highest benefits from PTA Foreign Minister Dr Momen met Prime Minister of Bhutan at the latter’s place of residence on March 23. Dr Tshering delivered the Bangabandhu Memorial Lecture at the National Parade Ground as a special guest at the programme organised to celebrate the birth centenary of Bangabandhu.  The official discussions between Bangladesh and Bhutan were held at the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday in a warm and cordial atmosphere reflecting the time-tested friendship between the two countries.  During the official discussions, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh recalled with gratitude the invaluable support of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and the people of Bhutan towards Bangladesh’s fight for independence. In commemoration of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, the two Prime Ministers paid tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the valiant freedom fighters, 3 million martyrs, and two hundred thousand women and children who suffered oppression during the war.  The two Prime Ministers recognised with deep satisfaction the manner in which the historic ties between Bhutan and Bangladesh have evolved over the years into a mutually beneficial relationship.  They stated the kinship, which is based on goodwill, friendship and understanding, is an example of good neighborliness, mutual respect, and cooperation. Taking note of the challenges imposed by the ongoing pandemic, the two Prime Ministers congratulated each other for successful, effective, and timely initiatives taken by the respective governments.  Dr Tshering expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the government of Bangladesh for the support rendered to Bhutan during the pandemic, including the provision of medical supplies.  The two Prime Ministers expressed happiness that both Bhutan and Bangladesh are well on track to graduate from the club of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in 2023 and 2024 respectively despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.  Both sides expressed satisfaction at the recent signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).  They, however, noted that bilateral trade has been severely affected by the pandemic and that all-out efforts must be made to overcome the setbacks.  Also read: Bangladesh, Bhutan to examine rail network through India The two Prime Ministers emphasized holding the Commerce Secretary Level Meeting (CSLM) and Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) as soon as possible, and amend the SOP on the use of inland waterways, and finalise the Protocol to the Transit Agreement on a priority basis. The two leaders emphasised the need for enhanced private sector cooperation, for which the Chambers of Commerce should come up with innovative ways of doing business.  They also encouraged importers and exporters of Bangladesh and Bhutan to use the riverine route for the transport of goods as a viable alternative to road links. As a special gesture of goodwill and friendship, and as part of the celebrations of 50 years of Bhutan’s recognition of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to provide Bhutan internet bandwidth at a friendly rate Following up on the decision taken during Prime Minister Tshering’s visit in April 2019, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed happiness at the fact that a total of 19 physicians and surgeons have joined various hospitals in Bhutan, and are serving there with good reputation.  They expressed happiness that an increasing number of Bhutanese students are choosing Bangladesh as their preferred destination for undergraduate studies, particularly in medicine.  Bangladesh agreed to increase the number of annual MBBS quota seats for Bhutanese students from 15 (fifteen) to 20 (twenty).  It has also been decided that Bangladesh will issue multiple entry visa to Bhutanese students for full duration of their study subject to the validity of their passports. The Prime Ministers viewed that the cultural cooperation between the two countries should be further strengthened in order to promote people-to-people contact, and that, in commemoration of the 50th year of our friendship, the two countries should exchange cultural delegations. Dr Tshering expressed his deep appreciation for the cordial welcome and warm hospitality extended to him and the members of his delegation during their stay in Bangladesh. He extended invitations to the Hon’ble President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said Saarc has huge the prospect to reunite the member states to collectively address the challenges emanating from the Covid-19 pandemic during this unprecedented time of global situation.

Tenzin Lekphell on Friday assumed the charges as the Secretary General of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) on Friday.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has called upon the Foreign Ministers of Saarc Member States to work together to strengthen regional cooperation leveraging the Saarc mechanism to fight against the challenges posed by Covid-19 and explore the new opportunities of cooperation.

Saarc Foreign Ministers on Thursday emphasised the need to work collectively to overcome the adverse impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic in the region.