Diplomatic Correspondent :
Giving emphasis on food and fuel security in the partner countries of Developing Eight (D-8), the Foreign Ministry level high-powered meeting of Muslim countries is going to be begin in the capital on Wednesday.
The meeting will also discuss issues like energy, trade, agriculture, connectivity, climate, tourism as well as Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to pave the path for mutual benefits.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at a press conference in the office shared the information about the possible agenda of the 20th Session of the Council of Ministers and the 45th Conference of D-8.
Though Bangladesh has sent invitations to all the foreign ministers of the member countries to participate in the meeting, all foreign ministers are not attending the conference rather some of their representatives will attend.
Foreign Minister of Iran, State Minister of Pakistan Hina Rabbani Khar, State Minister of Nigeria, Deputy Minister of Turkiye, Assistant Minister of Egypt, special envoy of Indonesian Foreign Ministry and Deputy Secretary General of Malaysia will attend, Momen said.
Though Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was invited to join the conference, Pakistan government decided to send Hina who will lead the delegation of her country.
Pakistan is sending one of its ministers to Dhaka after 10 years.
In reply to a query whether there will be any sideline meeting between Dr Momen and Hina Rabbani, the foreign minister said,
“Pakistan’s state minister is not coming for any bilateral meeting. I will talk to her in the conference.”
The press conference also informed that Islamabad has not sought any schedule for bilateral meeting so far.
About the conference, Dr Momen said, “The meeting will have talks on the enhancement of trade and commerce. We will have discussion on intra-trade and the PTA. We are hopeful about the PTA.”
Apart from this, the conference will emphasise on agriculture and food security, he said.
“The meeting will give special attention energy as it is the pressing issue now. It is a global issue now,” the foreign minister said.
About the energy security, he said, “It is now a hot topic globally. This issue is being discussed in all global forums. We are trying how we can be benefitted here.”
The member countries will also focus on the climate resolution how to work together to combat it.
About the tourism, Dr Momen said that though Bangladesh is not matured enough in tourism, the D-8 conference will also discuss this sector.
This year D-8 alliance on economic cooperation is significant as it is going to celebrate the silver jubilee.
“The D-8 conference is significant this time as it is going to celebrate the silver jubilee. Besides, Azerbaijan has applied for membership. Decision will come about it. Apart from it, there is proposal for permanent representatives of the ambassadors of the member countries. Nigeria has a proposal to form youth council,” Momen said.
