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Bangladesh exchanges views on Indo-Pacific with Australia
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has met his Australian counterpart Marise Payne and exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of growing interest in the region.
They reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation for the shared prosperity and security of all in the region.
During the bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of "Munich Security Conference 2022" in Germany, the two foreign ministers also exchanged greetings on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Australia.
They recalled the exchange of goodwill messages between the prime ministers of the two countries to mark the occasion.
Dr Momen said Bangladesh and Australia have the scope to further enhance and diversify their trade and economic cooperation, especially with the signing of the Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) last year.
Also read: China offers not only ‘basket of money’ but also “affordable” proposals: FM
He urged his Australian counterpart to jointly explore ways to increase the volume and content of bilateral trade.
Also, the two ministers discussed the possibility of organising a visit by a business delegation, focusing on pharmaceutical exports from Bangladesh.
Geopolitics may stand in the way of climate finance deal, warns Momen, as the Munich Security Conference returns
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has reiterated the need for global partnership to mobilize financing and technologies towards climate action and green transition.
He was speaking at a panel discussion on tackling climate crisis during the "58th Munich Security Conference" that began in Germany on Friday.
The conference being held at the usual venue in Munich will continue till February 20.
Speaking at the opening session of the conference Dr Momen wondered if the international commitment for climate financing could be affected due to geopolitical tensions, including Ukraine situation.
The Foreign Minister is scheduled to visit Paris, France from Germany.
Read:Shimla dialogue: Dhaka reiterates firm commitment to ensuring regional peace
The MSC 2022 remains true to its traditional formats but welcomed fewer guests and media representatives as well as smaller delegations to ensure the health and safety of its participants and the Munich public, according to the organizers.
"Our world is in danger. Traditional certainties are crumbling, threats and vulnerabilities are multiplying, and the rules-based order is increasingly under attack. The need for dialogue has never been greater,” said Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of Munich Security Conference.
Dr Momen is scheduled to leave Munich for Paris on February 21 and attend "Ministerial Forum” for the cooperation in the Indo Pacific to be held there on February 22.
The French government has invited a host of foreign ministers from across Asia, the Pacific and East Africa to its capital on February 22 for the meeting with their European counterparts and top European Union officials.
Read:Shimla dialogue: Dhaka reiterates firm commitment to ensuring regional peace
Together with the High Representative, the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union will hold the Ministerial Forum, bringing together the Member States, the European Commission and Indo-Pacific partner countries.
The forum will address specific challenges related to security and defence, and digital and connectivity issues in the context of the Global Gateway initiative to develop infrastructure worldwide, as well as global challenges such as global health, climate change, biodiversity and the protection of oceans.
FM for well-calibrated action agenda for tourism sector
A well-calibrated action agenda for the tourism sector can serve as a great tool to diversify not only the foreign currency earning capability but also the productive capability of the country’s economy, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said.
"I believe that we can twin tourism with the tenets of solid economic relocation for innovative and entrepreneurial initiatives from around the globe to Bangladesh," he said.
The Foreign Minister highlighted the country’s sustainable economic diversification and promoted the distinct Bangladeshi tea brand in Dubai, UAE while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Explore Mujib’s Bangladesh: A Hidden Gem of Tourism in South Asia” held at the Bangladesh Pavilion of EXPO 2020 Dubai on Saturday.
The seminar was arranged by Bangladesh Tourism Board, an organization which is responsible for ameliorating tourism of Bangladesh, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
Dr Momen mentioned the importance of transforming tourism’s immense potential into a unique brand of the country’s enchanting natural beauty that has been unexplored and unknown by global tourists.
Read:Dhaka, Tokyo to work together to build prosperous future for all: FM
The Foreign Minister focused on the environment friendly tourism industry so that it becomes sustainable one.
Stating from a report of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Dr Momen said only 3 percent of total tourists visits Bangladesh per year are foreigners and rest 97 percent is from local origin.
Addressing as a special guest in the seminar, Md. Mokammel Hossain, Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, opined that successful implementation of ongoing mega projects will bring new doorway to the tourism sector of the country.
He also revealed the plan of constructing exclusive tourism, ocean tourism, theme park etc to attract foreign tourists to our country.
Read: FM to visit UAE from Feb 10-13 to attend series of events
Mashfee Binte Shams, Secretary (East) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Abu Zafar, Ambassador of Bangladesh to UAE, among others, were present.
Bangladesh seeks investment from expatriate business community in UAE
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has urged the expatriate Bangladeshi business community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to invest in Bangladesh and help the country to grow further.
"Bangladesh has now become a land of opportunity from the cliché of a so-called bottomless basket," said Dr Momen while addressing a business meeting hosted by Bangladesh Business Council (BBC) at a local hotel in Dubai as the chief guest.
He recalled the tireless contribution of the expatriate workers in collective achievement of Bangladesh while terming them as heroes.
The foreign minister called upon the CIPs and businessmen to take advantage of the business-friendly environment prevailing in Bangladesh and urged them to share the country’s achievements to the global community.
The meeting, held on Friday, was chaired by Mahtabur Rahman, President of Bangladesh Business Council, Dubai.
The programme included a thematic seminar on "Role of NRBs" in the implementation of economic and public diplomacy and a reception.
Also read: Bangladesh, US keen to further strengthen ties with greater engagements
Dr Momen handed over the crests to the new recipients of 26 CIPs awarded last year.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the UAE Md. Abu Jafor and Consul General of Bangladesh Consulate in Dubai were present in the meeting as special guests.
The Foreign Minister paid deep tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Father of the Nation, for his unique contribution to the national history: an independent national identity- a state and ‘a dream of transformation of the newly born state’s socioeconomic conditions’.
He highlighted the country’s remarkable transformation from the identity of a food deficit country to a food-surplus one under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Reduction of absolute poverty through the social safety net program and ensuring home for the homeless--the Ashrayan project are other additions to the many success stories of Bangladesh, he added.
Dr Momen also apprised the gathering about the measures undertaken by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic for the welfare of the expatriate community.
Recalling his continuous engagements with his counterparts in securing safety and interests of Bangladesh community abroad, he elaborated the measures undertaken in this context.
Also read: Bangladesh promotes culture of peace: FM
He underlined the need of opening the new window of economic diplomacy stating that the new canvas would open up scope and expanse of investment opportunities, enhancement of trade, export etc. gainful employment of people, as well as knowledge- based technology and skills in the country’s economy.
Mahtabur Rahman, founder Chairman of the Bangladesh Business Council and Chairman of the NRB Bank, urged the government to step up efforts to establish a direct shipping link between Chittagong and Dubai.
He also sought government’s cooperation in allocating an Exclusive Economic Zone for the CIPs.
The Foreign Minister assured the business community of their possible integration to the country’s development processes.
The Foreign Minister is now leading a 10- member delegation to the UAE on a bilateral visit from February 10-13.
Earlier, he addressed a seminar on "Bangabandhu’s Vision for World Peace and Security: Its relevance in Today’s World" at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research in Abu Dhabi.
The delegation included among others, Mashfee Binte Shams, Secretary (East), Iqbal Hussain Khan DG (West Asia) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka.
Bangladesh, South Sudan keen to deepen ties with multiple deals
Bangladesh and South Sudan on Monday discussed cooperation in a number of sectors as the two countries are keen to tap the potential for mutual benefits.
A high-level delegation of the government of South Sudan led by Deng Dau Deng, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister of Defense, Secretary, Trade and Industry and other high officials met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at State guesthouse Padma in the evening.
Dr Momen proposed that both sides can conclude agreements in the areas like agriculture, including contract farming, visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports, promotion and protection of investment, cooperation in trade and bilateral consultations between the Foreign Ministries of both the countries.
Also read: South Sudanese delegation arrives in Dhaka
It was agreed that draft agreements from Bangladesh side would be forwarded to the South Sudanese side for their consideration, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
FM to visit UAE from Feb 10-13 to attend series of events
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen is scheduled to leave here for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday night to attend a series of programmes apart from a bilateral meeting with his UAE counterpart.
The Foreign Minister will visit Bangladesh Pavilion on February 12 and UAE Pavilion on February 10 at the Expo 2020 in Dubai.
The Expo 2020 is currently hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
The bilateral meeting with the UAE Foreign Minister will be held on Saturday, said an official referring to Dr Momen’s tentative programme schedule.
READ: Want to flourish trade, economic ties more with global partners: FM
He will also attend the UK National Day reception to be held at the UK Pavilion in the Expo 2020 on Thursday. The Foreign Minister will attend the Commonwealth reception at the UK Pavilion the same day.
Dr Momen will deliver a speech on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s vision for “World Peace and Security: Its Enduring Relevance Today” at the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research in Abu Dhabi on Friday morning.
He will have a meeting with Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi on Friday afternoon.
READ: Bangladesh's success now an eyesore for some: FM
On Saturday morning, the Foreign Minister will attend a seminar titled “Explore Mujib’s Bangladesh: A Hidden Gem of Tourism in South Asia” to be held at Bangladesh Pavilion which is showcasing cultural history and socio-economic development.
Dr Momen is scheduled to return home on Sunday night wrapping up his four-day visit.
Bangladesh's success now an eyesore for some: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said Bangladesh has become an “eyesore” for some due to its good position strategically, and the real purpose is to try and reap benefits by putting pressure as the issue of human rights is not the real purpose.
“The real purpose is not human rights. The real purpose is not even disappearances or murders. The real purpose is to try whether they can reap some benefits from these pressures,” he said, adding that the government does not want to see a single case of disappearance or any murder.
While talking to reporters after attending a programme in the city, the Foreign Minister said there is no word for enforced disappearance in the country."We don't want to see anyone taken away by force. We want everyone to be gone by the law.”
Also read: Don’t believe wholesale sanctions on Bangladesh warranted: Congressman Meeks
Dr Momen mentioned that Bangladesh is surrounded by some big countries and its access to the sea has become a big concern for them.
He said there had been some accidents in which they did not get proper information and there is no such thing as enforced disappearance in the country. “Sometimes different terrorist groups do this. It happens in all the countries of the world, more or less. We've the least here compared to other countries.”
Responding to a question, Dr Momen said foreigners say that Bangladesh is becoming the tail of China and Bangladesh is falling into the debt trap of China like Sri Lanka.“If you want to get into a debt trap, you’ve to take out a 40 percent loan. Our country's total debt is just over 15 percent or about 16 percent. Still far away,” he said.
He said if they look at the countries and the institutions, they have borrowed the most from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the IMF while the next most borrowed from Japan. “Our borrowing from China is not even close to just over 5 percent.”
Also read: Bangladesh an inspiration for world: Speakers
Dr Momen said some ignorant people say Bangladesh is becoming the tail of China because 80 percent of Bangladesh’s military equipment is bought from China.
“This is a blatant lie. What we purchase, we purchase from all countries. We purchase from everywhere. India also wants to give us. Our military knows what to purchase,” he added.
Dhaka wants international organisations to consider facts, not letters
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said they believe that international organisations would not take individuals’ letters or instigation into their consideration as the government is sending facts-based briefings to them.
“They (individuals) might keep writing. It’s being written at an individual level. We believe those organisations won’t take this into their consideration,” he told reporters, apparently referring to excitement among a particular group of people following the sanctions imposed on Rab and some individuals.
Dr Momen talked to reporters after attending the closing ceremony of 16th National Wushu Championship as the chief guest at Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium, Mirpur.
Also read: Dhaka smells more ‘assaults’, wants to counter propaganda abroad with facts
Dhaka smells more ‘assaults’, wants to counter propaganda abroad with facts
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday urged the patriotic citizens abroad to put in their stronger efforts to counter conspiracies against the country’s interest, noting that there might be more “assaults” on the country and its interests based on propaganda and disinformation.
“It seems to me there might be various types of assaults and conspiracies against us in the next two years,” he said urging the activists of Bangabandhu Foundation abroad to take a stronger position against such attempts centering the next national elections.
The Foreign Minister, also the President of the Bangabandhu Foundation, said each Bangladesh Mission abroad that runs with the country’s taxpayers’ money is the number one lobbyist of the country to uphold Bangladesh’s interests.
Also read:Sheikh Selim slams US for sanctions on RAB
He hoped that the people associated with the Bangabandhu Foundation abroad will help the missions abroad with the information regarding any attempt of conspiracies against the country as in some cases missions may not get access to such information instantly.
Dr Momen was addressing a virtual discussion titled “Lobbying conspiracy that started centering the 12th parliamentary election and steps that Bangabandhu Foundation can take” as the chief guest.
Pointing finger at conspirators, the Foreign Minister said the country’s interest and people’s welfare should be the priority if anyone wants to get involved in politics.
Referring to the letter written by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Ivan Stefanec to High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, Dr Momen said, “When I was reading the letter, I felt that I was reading about another country as the letter’s content doesn’t go with the situation of the country.”
He said there is a possibility that the opposition parties might engage more such people to write against Bangladesh.
Also read: No impact on European business interest in Bangladesh, says EU envoy about sanctions
The Foreign Minister said the Awami League has continued its efforts to make the election process transparent which needs to be highlighted.
“We’re lucky that we’ve got a transparent, very committed, firm and very strong leadership, and we hope under her leadership we’ll build Bangabandhu’s Sonar Bangla,” he said.
Central AL leader and Bangabandhu Foundation General Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam Thandu, Foundation’s Executive President Adv Moshiur Malek, Rashida Hoque Konica and Engineer M Shakil Khan also spoke at the event.
Govt wants greater coordination to brand Bangladesh abroad
The government wants to expedite its efforts to brand Bangladesh abroad highlighting its areas of strength and make the country a more attractive destination for trade and investment through stronger team work within the government keeping in mind the challenges ahead.
An inter-ministerial meeting of the committee on "Branding Bangladesh Abroad" was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighting the preparation, planning, implementation and monitoring of possible challenges of Bangladesh in the context of graduation from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, were, among others, present.
Dr Momen emphasised identification of the areas of strength that Bangladesh has both as a nation and as a sovereign state and asked for stronger coordination amongst the stakeholders for projecting them abroad.
Also read: It’s US that trained RAB: FM Momen
He also highlighted the need for an “open, inclusive and fact based programmes” for projecting a correct and aspirational image of the country.