Masud Bin Momen
Netherlands for accommodating climate to boost trade, investment with Bangladesh
Netherlands has put emphasis on an accommodating business climate for foreign investment and trade, as well as adherence to global labour and environmental standards, to attract more foreign investment and business to Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh side underscored the need for promoting responsible business conduct in the global supply chain and for continued international support measures after its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
Bangladesh and the Netherlands held the Foreign Office Consultations on Thursday virtually and discussed the issues.
Both countries shared their concerns about recent developments in Myanmar, including the serious challenges these developments pose for the safe, sustainable, dignified and voluntary return of the Rohingyas to their homeland.
Also read: Dutch investors urged to invest in Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector for growth, diversification
The two countries also reiterated their continued commitment to justice and accountability for the human rights violations committed in Myanmar.
The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Ambassador Masud Bin Momen while the Netherlands delegation was led by the Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Paul Huijts.
The fourth round of Foreign Office Consultations took place amid Bangladesh’s Golden Jubilee and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birth centenary celebrations, and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The Netherlands and Bangladesh have maintained an enduring friendship over the course of those 50 years, marked by a significant Dutch role in Bangladesh’s early infrastructural development and water management and food security efforts, now considered key successes for both countries.
Also read: Dutch NGOs reiterate support to Bangladesh
Both delegation leaders acknowledged the impact COVID-19 has had on their societies and shared their views on post-COVID-19 economic recovery to ‘build back better’.
They noted the strong ties between the two countries over the past 50 years and elaborated on political and economic developments as well as the evolving nature of the bilateral relationship, with a shift from development cooperation to economic cooperation. Both sides agreed to continue exchanging views on human rights and rule of law, including in multilateral fora.
The delegations held an in-depth discussion on how to further strengthen the economic ties and knowledge exchange in a wide variety of areas, including water management, agriculture, digitalisation and climate adaptation.
The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 was specifically discussed as a key vehicle for integrating cooperation on water management and food security.
Also read: Swedish, Dutch envoys for maintaining focus on Rohingya crisis until their repatriation
The two delegation leaders discussed developments in the region, including the current focus on increasing cooperation and connectivity between the EU and the Indo-Pacific region.
The Netherlands expressed its gratitude for Bangladesh’s hospitality towards the Rohingya people and noted ongoing discussions on humanitarian issues between the international donor community and Bangladesh.
The Foreign Office Consultations underlined the willingness of both countries to explore and take up opportunities to further deepen and diversify the bilateral ties.
Make no mistake; take action: Kerry on dealing with climate crisis together
John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, on Friday laid emphasis on taking action without taking any mistake to deal with the global climate crisis noting that the US administration is looking for greater collaboration with Bangladesh on the issue.
“So, we know from the scientists - we must all take action,” he said seeking joint efforts to protect the countries, citizens and the future generations as no single country can solve the climate crisis today.
Kerry made the remarks at a joint media briefing at State guesthouse Padma after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at the same venue.
“We’ve the ability to work together now in order to bring technology, research, development and finance to the table to do what we know we must do,” he said.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Shahab Uddin, Saber Hossain Chowdhy, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, Special Envoy for the Vulnerable Forum Presidency Abul Kalam Azad, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller were present.
The visit underscored the US commitment to strengthen implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change designed to limit global warming.
Also read: US focuses on Myanmar issues; lauds Bangladesh's extraordinary generosity
As part of the Paris outcome, developed countries were urged to scale up their level of support with a concrete roadmap to achieve the goal of mobilising US$100 billion per year for climate action in developing countries.
Intra-D-8 trade: Transport connectivity gets focus in Summit
The D-8 countries on Thursday agreed to explore the possibilities of developing and enhancing transport connectivity among D-8 Member States to facilitate trade and investment, including the intra-D-8 trade.
“There’s a lot of opportunities and possibilities. We’ll take initiatives to boost trade and investment and create jobs,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters at a virtual press conference after the 10th Summit.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen were present.
Dr Momen said they believe that trade and investment among the D-8 countries will be increased through cooperation.
The Summit adopted two documents – “Dhaka Declaration 2021”, and “D-8 Decennial Roadmap for 2020-2030.”
Dr Momen said the D-8 leaders commended and supported the idea of the government of Bangladesh to engage the youth and ensure their participation in the new reality of 4IR through hosting the first-ever D-8 Youth Summit.
Also read: D-8 Summit: Hasina for building a better future together
If nurtured properly, the demographic asset of more than 50 percent of the D-8 populace under 24 years of age could become the fulcrum that boosts up economic growth of the Member States, according to Dhaka Declaration 2021.
Transport connectivity: Bimstec master plan ready for approval
The special session of Bimstec Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) Wednesday endorsed the "BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity" for approval and adoption by the 17th Bimstec Ministerial Meeting and Fifth Bimstec Summit.
The Fifth Bimstec Summit is expected to be held in Sri Lanka's Colombo this year.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen virtually took part in the SOM held in Colombo.
He led a four-member Bangladesh delegation of Additional Foreign Secretary Md Shamsul Haque (Saarc and Bimstec) and other officers.
Also read: Bimstec SG lauds Bangladesh’s socioeconomic development
The foreign secretaries and senior officials of all the seven Bimstec member states joined the meeting, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hasina seeks fair share of Teesta water
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday reiterated Bangladesh’s long-pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the sharing of water of the Teesta River with Bangladesh's fair share to alleviate sufferings of millions.
It is necessary that Bangladesh receives its fair share of the Teesta water, the draft agreement of which has already been agreed upon by both governments in January 2011 to alleviate the sufferings and save the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on the Teesta River basin, she underscored.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts to conclude this agreement, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
“There’s positive approach (from Indian side) but a date has not been fixed when it will be delivered. They can’t spell out that it’ll happen within a week,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters at a briefing at Sonargaon Hotel.
MoFA marks historic March 7, pays tribute to Bangabandhu
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday emphasised spreading the message of Bangabandhu's historic March 7 speech at home and abroad and encouraged youngsters to get inspired by it and play roles in building ‘Sonar Bangla’.
FM, MoFA top officials visit Payra deep seaport
Top officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen have visited Payra deep seaport to see the development activities in person and share its potentials globally.
Foreign secretaries discuss wide range of bilateral issues
Bangladesh reiterated the importance it attaches to signing of the Teesta water sharing agreement with India and sought increased cooperation between two Border Forces with a view to bringing down border killings to zero, during the Foreign Secretary-level talks between the two countries on Friday.
Bangladesh-India FOC in Delhi on Friday
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen reached New Delhi on Thursday to attend Bangladesh and India foreign office consultations (FOC) on Friday.
Dhaka-Delhi FOC on Jan 29
Bangladesh and India will hold the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between the two countries on January 29 to have comprehensive discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations.