Dhaka, August 8 : Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen said that Bangladesh is keen to intensify political, trade, economic and cultural ties with the ASEAN countries. He said this while addressing an event organized by the ASEAN Dhaka Committee in observance of the 54th ASEAN Day.
Dr. Momen said that having a strong tie with the ASEAN countries is by any standard a key Foreign Policy priority of the Government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. With a large manufacturing base, Bangladesh stands to be one of ASEAN’s strongest partners and an attractive destination for the ASEAN investors. Foreign Minister suggested that among the priority issues in which Bangladesh and ASEAN countries can forge partnership are: poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, climate change, water resources management, migration, disaster management, agriculture and ICT.
On the Rohingya repatriation issue, Dr. Momen said that the prolonged presence of such a huge number displaced people entails serious ramifications for the socio-political stability of not only Bangladesh but also of the entire region including the ASEAN. He sought intervention from the ASEAN for a speedy repatriation of the Rohingyas to their motherland.
Dr. Momen also sought support from the ASEAN countries on Bangladesh’s application for the status of ASEAN Sectoral Partner.
Chair of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Haznah Md. Hashim, the High Commissioner of Brunei to Bangladesh Haji Haris Haji Othman and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen also addressed at the event.
