foreign minister
Intra-D-8 trade: Transport connectivity gets focus in Summit
The D-8 countries on Thursday agreed to explore the possibilities of developing and enhancing transport connectivity among D-8 Member States to facilitate trade and investment, including the intra-D-8 trade.
“There’s a lot of opportunities and possibilities. We’ll take initiatives to boost trade and investment and create jobs,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters at a virtual press conference after the 10th Summit.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen were present.
Dr Momen said they believe that trade and investment among the D-8 countries will be increased through cooperation.
The Summit adopted two documents – “Dhaka Declaration 2021”, and “D-8 Decennial Roadmap for 2020-2030.”
Dr Momen said the D-8 leaders commended and supported the idea of the government of Bangladesh to engage the youth and ensure their participation in the new reality of 4IR through hosting the first-ever D-8 Youth Summit.
Also read: D-8 Summit: Hasina for building a better future together
If nurtured properly, the demographic asset of more than 50 percent of the D-8 populace under 24 years of age could become the fulcrum that boosts up economic growth of the Member States, according to Dhaka Declaration 2021.
Climate Challenge: Kerry due Friday to have discussions with Bangladesh
John Kerry, the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, is scheduled to arrive here on Friday on a brief visit during which Bangladesh will convey its priority issues on the climate front.
Kerry, now in India on a four-day visit, will hand over the US President’s invitation to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in person to attend the "Leaders Summit on Climate" to be held on April 22 and 23 virtually.
Kerry is looking forward to "meaningful discussions" with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and others during his stay in Dhaka on how to tackle the climate crisis.
"In Dhaka, Special Presidential Envoy Kerry will meet representatives from the government of Bangladesh and key development and international partners," a State Department spokesperson told UNB.
As the president of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and the Vulnerable Twenty Group of Finance Ministers, the spokesperson said, Bangladesh plays a leading role in combating climate change.
Also read: Leaders Summit on Climate: Kerry due Apr 9 to invite PM Hasina
Marcia Bernicat, US senior official for economic growth, energy and the environment, has said Bangladesh’s leadership in addressing climate change offers the United States – and the world – a great partner to tackle this climate crisis.
As president of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and the Vulnerable Twenty Group of Finance Ministers, she said, Bangladesh can make irreplaceable contributions towards a successful COP26.
As a climate vulnerable country, Bernicat said, Bangladesh will require significant climate adaptation and resilience, especially in view of its increasingly ambitious climate goals.
US companies are well placed to deliver many of the solutions Bangladesh will need to sustainably grow its economy, she said.
“Yes, we’re happy that he’s coming. We worked with him before, too,” Foreign Minister Dr Momen told UNB.
Also read: Climate-induced displacement a vital security issue for all: Kerry
US President Joe Biden has invited 40 world leaders, including Prime Minister Hasina, to the “Leaders' Summit on Climate” that he will host. The virtual summit will be live-streamed for public viewing.
The “Leaders Summit on Climate” will underscore the urgency – and the economic benefits – of stronger climate action. It will be a key milestone on the road to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November in Glasgow.
“We’ll be happy to convey our priority issues. We’ll also share the steps that Bangladesh has taken so far,” Dr Momen said.
He said Bangladesh believes that adaptation is not enough and there has to be mitigation and Bangladesh needs support as promised by others. “It should be Kerry’s special target.”
Dr Momen said Bangladesh did not create the problem and those responsible countries should share responsibility of rehabilitating and protecting people from the river erosions.
Also read: Kerry invites Bangladesh to join US climate conference
President Biden has emphasised the challenge of climate change, stating, “The United States and the world face a profound climate crisis and by placing climate change at the centre of our foreign policy, diplomacy, and national security.”
During his recent meeting with Presidential Envoy on Climate John Kerry, Dr Momen discussed the global issue of climate change, and the possible US-Bangladesh collaboration in this connection.
The Foreign Minister recollected the vital contribution of Kerry towards the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and welcomed the decision of the US to return to the Paris Agreement.
He described various actions taken by the government of Bangladesh under the prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on mitigation, adaptation and resilience.
Dr Momen also briefed John Kerry on all current and future activities of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) regional office in Dhaka.
Also read: Climate Change: Kerry discusses possible Bangladesh-US collaboration
Kerry recognised the extraordinary challenges faced by Bangladesh due to climate change and frequent natural disasters.
Agreeing that the international financial institutions could do more for the issue of climate change, he also opined that displacement due to climate change would be a vital security issue for everybody.
They agreed to work closely in the COP26 and other multilateral platforms in order to fulfil commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement and even go beyond Paris.
President Biden took action on his first day in office to return the US to the Paris Agreement.
Days later, on January 27, he announced that he would soon convene a leaders’ summit to galvanise efforts by the major economies to tackle the climate crisis.
FM calls for stronger global partnership to effectively tackle COVID-19
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday called for stronger global partnership and cooperation to effectively deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
"All countries need to work together. It's essential to have stronger partnership and cooperation among countries to face COVID-19 situation," he said as the chief guest at the 5th episode of Bangabandhu Lecture Series held virtually marking birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Dr Momen said people across the world need to get vaccinated to make the world free from coronavirus. "All countries need to work together to ensure equal access to vaccine," he said.
Also read: Dhaka seeks greater int'l solidarity, cooperation to tackle COVID-19 challenges
Former UN Under Secretary General Ambassador Anwarul K Chowdhury delivered keynote speech on the "Birth of Bangladesh and Its Inspirational Legacy in Global Diplomacy".
The Foreign Minister said they want to establish peace in the world in a sustainable way. Bangabandhu firmly believed that peace is a must for development and laid emphasis on peace and stability throughout his life.
"Bangabandhu and Bangladesh are inseparable," he said, noting that Bangabandhu had turned into a global leader by highlighting the problems faced by the oppressed people in the world. He said Bangabandhu ensured religious harmony in the society.
Also read: Coronavirus & Agenda 2030: Dhaka seeks meaningful global partnership
The Foreign Minister said all young diplomats need to read the speeches of Bangladesh’s founding father.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen spoke as special guest.
Diplomats stationed in Dhaka, Bangladesh envoys abroad, senior journalists and intellectuals joined the programme.
Dhaka seeks serious regional, multilateral initiatives over Rohingya repatriation
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said they should now seriously consider regional or multilateral initiatives for the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar as it remains a compelling priority for Bangladesh.
"Canada, with its global stature and standing on human rights issues, may consider taking a lead in such initiatives. Bangladesh always stands ready to work with Canada and other partners in this direction," he said.
Also read:2020: Another year of agony for Rohingyas
Dr Momen made the remarks while addressing a webinar, “Evolving Rohingya Crisis and International Response: Canada’s Future Role in Repatriation and Accountability Initiatives”, held on Tuesday night.
The Foreign Minister said the displaced Rohingyas are also desperate to return home with safety and dignity at the earliest possible.
"It’s our collective responsibility to help these distressed people materialise their dreams and aspirations. Only through our concerted efforts, sustained repatriation can become a reality," he said.
Bangabandhu Centre for Bangladesh Studies in Canada (BCBS) in cooperation with Conflict and Resilience Research Institute Canada, organised its first webinar on Rohingya crisis resolution.
High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada Dr Khalilur Rahman, Senator Marilou McPhedran CM, Heather McPherson, Brad Redekopp, Professor John Packer and Neuberger-Jesin, Professor of International Conflict Resolution, also spoke on the occasion.
10th D-8 Summit: D-8 leaders to meet virtually Thursday
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the 10th D-8 Summit on Thursday to be participated by leaders of Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hand over the D-8 Chairmanship to Prime Minister Hasina.
Before the Summit, the 19th D-8 Council of Ministers will be held virtually on Wednesday. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will lead the Bangladesh side.
The theme of the D-8 Summit is “Partnership for a Transformative World: Harnessing the Power of Youth and Technology” and the Summit will adopt two documents “D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030” and “Dhaka Declaration 2021”.
Also read: D-8 Youth Summit: Dhaka for achieving SDGs engaging youth
Bangladesh will host the 10th D-8 (Developing-8) Summit virtually in the context of COVID-19 new normal scenario that will focus on trade, investment, mineral resources, tourism, ICT, climate and Rohingya issues.
“These are the things we’ll try to focus on through dialogue and discussions,” said Foreign Minister Momen.
Dr Momen said they will seek support from all for a “durable solution” to the Rohingya crisis and address the challenges posed by climate change.
On trade issues, he said there is a lot of potential to boost trade among the D-8 member states which remained untapped.
Prime Minister Hasina attended the first D-8 Summit held in 1997 and Dhaka successfully hosted the second D-8 Summit in 1999.
Also read: Dhaka for promoting intra-trade, investment in innovation among D-8 members
Through the 10th Summit, Bangladesh will assume the chairmanship of D-8 for the term of two years from Turkey which will create a new avenue for Bangladesh to share its development success story globally and will help expand its relations with the outside world, Dr Momen said.
The D-8 aims for Economic Cooperation to improve the member states’ position in the global economy, to diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, to enhance participation in decision-making at international level, and to improve standards of living.
Meanwhile, the 43rd Session of the D-8 Commission was held on April 5-6. On April 5, D-8 Business Forum and first D-8 Youth Summit were held on the sidelines of the Summit.
The Summit will put emphasis on strengthening of intra-trade among D-8 member states and in that context will urge the member states to ensure benefits from the D8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) through its proper implementation.
Bangladesh mourns loss of lives due to flash floods in Indonesia, Timor-Leste
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives in the flash floods and landslides in different parts of Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
In separate messages sent to Foreign Minister of Indonesia Retno L P Marsudi and Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister of Timor-Leste Adaljiza Albertina Xavier Reis Magno, Dr Momen conveyed heartfelt sympathies to both the leaders.
Also read:Indonesia landslides, floods kill 55 people; dozens missing
He expressed his deep sympathy particularly to the members of the bereaved families who lost their near and dear ones, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
Dr Momen prayed and hoped that the resilient people of both friendly countries can withstand all adversities and rebuild their flood affected areas to come back to normal life.
He reiterated Bangladesh Government’s commitment to work with international community on global climate change mitigation and adaptation issues.
Also read:Heavy rains trigger landslide, floods in Indonesia; 44 dead
Dr Momen wished both the Foreign Ministers good health, long life and renewed prosperity.
Dhaka for promoting intra-trade, investment in innovation among D-8 members
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said D-8 Member States should leverage the commonalities and aim to promote intra-trade, investment in innovation; and minimise tariff and non-tariff barriers.
"We need common investment policies, guidelines, and strategies including diaspora investment opportunities; and work for minimising tariff and non-tariff barriers," he said at the "D-8 Business Forum" held virtually.
Also read:Bangladesh never supports country-specific, motivated issues ...
President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Sheikh Fazle Fahim and President of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Rifat Hisarcıklıoglu also spoke.
The chairmanship of D-8 Chamber of Commerce and Industries (D-8 CCI) was handed over to the FBCCI from the TOBB.
Rifat Hisarcıklıoglu took over as the Chair of the D-8 CCI in 2017.
Bangladesh will assume the chairmanship of D-8 for the term of two years through the 10th Summit scheduled to be held on April 8. As part of the 10th Summit, Bangladesh also hosted the D-8 Youth Summit for the first time on Monday.
Dr Momen said they need to create funds for development, R&D, technology transfer, capacity building and support for institutions and centres of excellence, including the SME and blue economy sectors.
Also read:Bangladesh indomitable: FM
"We’d like to particularly stress on the area of innovation and mainstreaming them in our developmental strategy circuit," he said.
The D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, also known as Developing-8, is an organisation for development co-operation among Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Dr Momen said the total GDP of the D-8 Member States is around 4.9% of world GDP and the total population is around 15.3% of the world population. This is a manifestation of the region’s consumer base for both service and commodities along with its inherent growth potentials.
"To tap into that, I believe D-8 CCI could play the key role through effective collaboration and partnership with their government sector in addition to their own networking mechanism," Dr Momen said.
The Foreign Minister said today’s world is facing uncertainty in all aspects because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UN has estimated that the global economy is expected to lose nearly $8.5 trillion in output over the next two years.
Also read:Singapore, Romania to recruit 12,000 Bangladeshis: FM
"It’s this unfortunate situation that has compelled us to hold this auspicious Business Forum virtually. At the same time, it’s on you, the leaders of business sector who have a special responsibility and challenge, to help the global economy turn around," Dr Momen said.
Through people centric leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has been able to balance between ‘life and livelihood’ to a great extent during this pandemic, he said.
Dr Momen said the government has adopted a series of stimulus packages worth of US$14.6 billion, which is around 4.44% of the GDP with a view to protecting the income of the poor, the vulnerable and helping the revival of economic activities.
He expressed his appreciation to the new Chair of the D-8 CCI, the FBCCI, and also to the immediate past Chair, the TOBB, for their laudable arrangements.
Dr Momen said the Secretary-General of the D-8 Secretariat deserves special appreciation for his sincere efforts and significant contribution.
Modi thanks Momen for "excellent arrangements" during his recent visit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen for the "excellent arrangements" made during his recent State Visit to Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Modi also congratulated the Bangladesh government for flawless arrangement of the spectacular celebrations on March 26 to mark 50 years of Bangladesh's Independence as well as the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Also Read: Modi visits Tungipara; pays homage to Bangabandhu
"I write to convey my thanks for the excellent arrangements made during my recent State Visit to Bangladesh. It was a pleasure to exchange thoughts with you during the visit," Modi said in his recent letter to Dr Momen.
Also Read: Bangladesh, India for progress of whole world: Modi
During the visit, Bangladesh and India agreed to accelerate the momentum that exists between the two countries with an eye on next 50 years of cooperation in diversified areas.
The two countries also laid emphasis on having enhanced connectivity, not just between Bangladesh and India but beyond the two countries to ensure broader economic benefits.
Dhaka for expediting BIMSTEC process with enhanced trade, investment
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday urged Member States to expedite BIMSTEC process noting that an enhanced trade and investment in this region will facilitate income and employment generation.
"Seamless multi-modal connectivity is a precondition for trade and investment promotion and people to people contact," he said.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks at the 17th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting virtually held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Also read: Bimstec SG lauds Bangladesh’s socioeconomic development
The meeting approved/endorsed several BIMSTEC agreements, conventions, MoUs and other important documents /instruments envisaged to be signed/adopted at the fifth BIMSTEC Summit.
The Foreign Ministers and Senior Officials of all the seven BIMSTEC Member States joined the meeting.
Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen accompanied the Foreign Minister in the meeting
The 5th BIMSTEC Summit is expected to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka this year subject to the COVID situation.
Dr Momen said BIMSTEC is a member driven organization and members organize the meetings and events to build consensus on cooperation and undertake programme of action in various sectors.
"We need to work simultaneously on a faster pace in all priority sectors to bring synergy in our cooperation to make BIMSTEC a result oriented regional forum," he said.
Dr Momen said Bangladesh is celebrating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the 50th Anniversary of Independence.
"The Father of the Nation was a visionary leader. In early 1972 he thought of working together with the neighbours in the region for collective progress and prosperity of our peoples. Regional cooperation has been our foreign policy priorities since then," said the Foreign Minister.
He said the Father of the Nation’s able daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision to join BIMSTEC as its founding member in 1997 bears the testimony of our commitment to regional cooperation.
Also read: Bimstec offers huge prospects for economic cooperation: Dhaka
"It is manifested in hosting the BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka. As the host country Bangladesh is committed to extend all possible support to strengthen the Secretariat," he said.
Dr Momen said Bangladesh facilitated and supported the consideration and adoption of a series of vital documents in the meeting chaired by Dinesh Gunawardena, Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka and Chairman of the said Meeting.
The meeting approved and recommended the finalized draft text of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, the finalized draft text of the Memorandum of Association on the Establishment of BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility (TTF) in Colombo, Sri Lanka and the draft text of the MoU on Mutual Cooperation between Diplomatic Academies/Training Institutions of BIMSTEC Member States for signature during the Fifth BIMSTEC Summit.
It approved the rationalization of sectors and sub-sectors of BIMSTEC and the Template of the Memorandum of Association (MoA) on the Establishment of the BIMSTEC Centres/Entities for adoption during the Fifth BIMSTEC Summit.
Also read: Dhaka for greater intra-OIC trade, contract farming
It also adopted Joint Statement of the 17th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting and BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity for onward submission to the 5th BIMSTEC Summit and recommended the draft Text of the Summit Declaration as per recommendation of the Special SOM held virtually yesterday in Colombo.
"We need the legal documents to be ready for signature at the earliest," Dr Momen said adding that hosting meeting regularly and concurrences and participation of Member States in those meetings are very much crucial in this regard.
Promoting respect for rights a global effort, says US
The United States has said promoting respect for human rights is not something they can do alone but is best accomplished working with their allies and partners across the globe, including Bangladesh.
The US State Department released the 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, an annual report required by U.S. law on Tuesday.
Guided by the United Nations’ Universal Declarations on Human Rights and subsequent human rights treaties, the country reports do not draw legal conclusions, rate countries, or declare whether they failed to meet standards. The United States said it is committed to a world in which human rights are protected, their defenders are celebrated, and those who commit human rights abuses are held accountable.
As the United States and Bangladesh discuss common challenges, promoting democracy, good governance, and human rights will remain paramount, as discussed by Secretary of State Blinken and Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen in their February 21 phone call.
The United States and Bangladesh remain partners in addressing these matters together, said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday.
US President Joe Biden is committed to a foreign policy that unites our democratic values with our diplomatic leadership, and one that is centered on the defense of democracy and the protection of human rights.