UNB :
Indonesia is going to send a strong message to Myanmar seeking steps to resolve the prolonged Rohingya crisis.
“We’re going to send a strong message to Myanmar for resolving the Rohingya crisis,” visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said when she met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office.
Sheikh Hasina said another three years have elapsed since the crisis has broken out and Bangladesh’s wait for the reparation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. “…it’s a huge burden for Bangladesh,” the Prime Minister was quoted as saying.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
The Indonesian Foreign Minister conveyed her country’s President’s greetings to the Prime Minister.
Talking about the Covid-19 pandemic, Marsudi lauded Bangladesh for its success in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic situation under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “Indonesia has also been able to bring the situation under control and we’re strict in maintaining health protocols,” she said.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present during the meeting.
The Indonesian Foreign Minister arrived in Dhaka to attend the 21st Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers’ Meeting.
Later, South African Minister for International Relation and Cooperation Dr Pandor, who is also in Dhaka to attend the 21st IORA Meeting, met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Prime Minister told Dr Pandor that the struggle of Nelson Mandela and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the same as both the leaders made tremendous sacrifices apart from languishing in jail for a long time.
“Our aim should be to keep the Indian Ocean peaceful for developing the Blue Economy,” PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
The South African Minister for International Relation and Cooperation referred to the pandemic and said South Africa is producing Covid-19 vaccines of Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present on the occasion.
The Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister Professor GL Peirisin a separate meeting highly appreciated the economic progress of Bangladesh, especially the online connectivity and business and bank operation, and social safety network.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mentioned about the micro-savings programmes of the government.
Ihsanul Karim said the Prime Minister also mentioned about the government’s steps to avoid any food scarcity in the country during the post-pandemic situation. “We’ve given a special emphasis on food protection,” she was quoted as saying.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present.
