Diplomatic Correspondent :
Bangladesh has sought strong support from European Union (EU), Brunei and Vietnam pertaining to the sustainable solution of the Rohingya crisis.
During a meeting with Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP) in Phnom Penh, Dr. Momen strongly sought the EU’s support in pressurizing Myanmar to take back their nationals.
He also said the security and stability of Myanmar and Bangladesh and the entire region may be jeopardised without any sustainable solution of the crisis.
Foreign Minister raised the issue of repatriation of the Rohingyas, which had never seen any light in the past five years and also informed about Bangladesh’s crises due to the Ukraine War.
He also told the Vice-President that instead of keeping pressure on Myanmar to solve the issue, countries like the UK, USA, Spain, Japan, Korea, France etc. are investing and doing even more trading with Myanmar.
Dr. Momen also expressed Bangladesh’s earnestness to get the global gateway partnership and sought support from the EU. Foreign Minister invited the HRVP to visit Bangladesh, which he readily accepted.
While in another meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs II of Brunei Darussalam Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof, Dr Momen sought strong support to resolve Rohingya crisis.
They discussed the issues of mutual interest, reasserting their commitment for further strengthening the excellent relations between the two friendly countries in the days ahead.
Dr. Momen shared the concerns of Bangladesh on the issue of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals and urges a more coordinated and proactive support of ASEAN countries to persuade Myanmar
for creating a congenial situation for an early, safe and dignified repatriation of more than 1.1 million Myanmar nationals from Bangladesh.
He also sought the support of Brunei Darussalam in expediting Bangladesh’s bid to be a Sectoral Dialogue Partner (SDP) of ASEAN.
The two countries agreed to accelerate cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries, energy, health and pharmaceuticals, connectivity, ICT, tourism, halal trade, human resources development, youth and cultural exchanges etc.
While discussing the need for having high-level visits for further cementing the bilateral relations, Dato Yusof expressed their keenness on having the visit of Sultan of Brunei to Bangladesh which got postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Dr. Momen cordially welcomed the proposal and both the ministers agreed on taking all necessary preparations in this regard.
Dr. Momen is currently on a three-day visit to Cambodia to attend the 29th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) ministerial meeting.
In another meeting with Foreign Minister of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son, Dr Momen invited Vietnam to invest in different sectors, particularly in priority sectors in the Economic zones, agriculture and ICT sectors of Bangladesh.
He also suggested the regular exchange of more technical expertise to boost trade, commerce and investment further.
He requested Vietnam to exert its friendly influence on Myanmar to take its citizens back to Myanmar.
He also sought Vietnam’s support in favour of Bangladesh’s candidacy as SDP of ASEAN.
Foreign Minister also had a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste Ms. Adaljiza Albertina Reis Magno in Phnom Penh.
Both the Ministers expressed deep satisfaction at the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and pledged to further strengthen the relations in depth and dimensions.
During the meeting, the two Ministers shared their views for mutual benefits and they discussed the issues of Rohingya repatriation, Bangladesh peacekeeping force, poverty alleviation, mass education, women empowerment, agricultural research, fisheries, livestock and poultry industries, digitization, youth development, student exchange program etc. and the need for enhanced cooperation in the areas of trade and investment.
Dr Momen underscored the need for regular exchange of visits at the high political and official levels as it is a very important tool for strengthening existing relations.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Cambodia and Director General of Regional Organisations Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accompanied the Foreign Minister during the meeting.
