Applauding the initiative for a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Singapore, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said FTA would be mutually beneficial by further enhancing the bilateral trade and investment. "Singapore is an important bilateral trade and investment partner of Bangladesh," he said during a telephone conversation with his Singapore counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. The two Foreign Ministers agreed to accelerate the process for concluding the FTA early. Dr Momen encouraged more Singaporean investors to invest in power, telecommunication, renewable energy and power transmission sectors in Bangladesh taking advantage of a very friendly investment regime in the country. Also read:Rohingya Crisis: Dhaka voices concerns over security implications in entire region While thanking the Government of Singapore for providing humanitarian assistance to the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals sheltered in Bangladesh, Dr. Momen sought Singapore’s and ASEAN’s proactive role in bringing a sustainable and permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis by ensuring their urgent return to their homeland in Myanmar. Dr Vivian assured that Singapore would remain engaged on the issue and of Singapore’s continued support for a durable solution to the crisis. During the conversation, Dr Momen expressed satisfaction over the excellent bilateral relations existing between the two friendly countries, mentioning that Bangladesh considers Singapore as a role model of Economic Development. The two Foreign Ministers agreed on the necessity of exploring synergies in new areas of cooperation for expanded bilateral engagement. Dr Momen noted with satisfaction Singapore government’s continuous support to the Bangladeshi expatriate workers during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. He suggested that Singapore may consider employing more skilled workers from Bangladesh especially in their health and other service sectors. Also read: Bangladesh needs 34,000 MW of electricity by 2030 to sustain its growth: ICCB Praising Dr Balakrishnan’s previous role as Minister-in-charge of the Smart Nation Initiative, Dr Momen shared the rapid digital transformation of the economy and society in Bangladesh under the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for a ‘Digital Bangladesh’. Dr Momen sought Singaporean cooperation in the area of ICT and digitization, to which Dr. Balakrishnan responded very positively and assured of full support and assistance. Referring to the 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 2022, both the Ministers agreed to celebrate the special occasion in a befitting manner in both the countries. Dr Momen invited his Singaporean counterpart to visit Bangladesh. Dr Balakrishnan also extended an invitation to Dr Momen for an official visit to Singapore to kick-start the celebration of the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two Foreign Ministers also exchanged greetings of the New Year and discussed the pandemic situation in their respective countries.

Bangladesh has urged the United Kingdom to repatriate the convicted war criminals currently living there to implement the court verdict as Bangladesh believes in the rule of law. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen made the request when visiting UK’s Minister for South Asia Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon met him on Monday. Dr Momen also asked them to facilitate visas for those working in the curry industry, which will create an opportunity for skilled manpower to work in the UK. He urged the UK to continue to remain engaged in the questions of Rohingya repatriation. Lord Ahmad assured the Minister of standing by the Rohingyas to help find a durable solution. Also read: Pakistani war criminals should be brought under trial: Envoy The UK Minister expressed satisfaction at the recent understanding reached between the government of Bangladesh and UN for the latter’s work on Bhasan Char. The two ministers exchanged views on cyber security issues and the challenges for religious tolerance and communal harmony. They talked about further accelerating the UN’s work on promoting responsible behavior in cyberspace by involving the concerned private sector. During the meeting, the UK Minister discussed his aspirations for the ever closer Bangladesh-UK friendship with opportunities for increased trade and investment, closer security cooperation, cyber security and UK support to critical climate projects and quality education for girls. Lord Ahmad congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association and recognized Bangladesh’s efforts in managing the Covid-19 pandemic. Foreign Minister Momen thanked the UK government for removing Bangladesh from the travel restrictions imposed in the wake of the Delta variant. He commended the role of the UK presidency for COP26 on climate change held in Glasgow this month. Lord Ahmad acknowledged Bangladesh’s proactive role as the chair of the Climate Vulnerability Forum and recalled his conversations with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Glasgow. Also read: Bangladeshi war criminal Mueen Uddin sues British Home Secretary The UK minister informed the Bangladesh Minister about the UK’s funding support of 120 million GBP for climate action in Bangladesh, with focus on addressing the vulnerability of women and girls. Lord Ahmad also stressed the UK Government’s priority in girl’s education and announced a new funding support of 54 million GBP targeting female students and disadvantaged children affected by the pandemic. Earlier, Lord Ahmad delivered a speech on “Bangladesh – UK: Partners for Progress” at the Foreign Service Academy. Lord Ahmad is on a three-day visit to Bangladesh to attend the 21st IORA Council of Ministers’ meetings.