Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina here on Saturday got renewed support from a number of Asian and European leaders to fight terrorism and violent extremism as she held bilateral meetings with them.She had meetings with host country’s President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, Myanmar President Htin Kyaw, Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the sidelines of a retreat meeting of the Asem Summit on the concluding day of the two-day Asem Summit.
Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, during the meeting, praised Bangladesh success in RMG sector and expressed interest to establish such industries in his country with Bangladesh’s support.
Foreign Minister M Shahidul Haq briefed reporters after the meeting.
The Foreign Secretary said the Mongolian President sought Prime Minister’s support for the capacity building of his country’s civil servants and collaboration in the sectors like pharmaceutical and veterinary medicine.
Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj also said his country would consider giving special support if Bangladesh agrees to set up RMG industries in Mongolia.
During her meeting with Myanmar President Htin Kyaw, the two leaders discussed various bilateral issues in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere, with Sheikh Hasina stressing the need for the settlement of all unresolved bilateral issues, particularly the refugee and drug smuggling issues through mutual discussions.
Mentioning the potentials of connectivity to strengthen relations in trade, economic and other areas, she said Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) corridor may play a big role in improving the ties.
The Myanmar President also agreed with the Bangladesh Prime Minister saying that his government believes in strengthening relations with neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, and to resolve all the existing problems through discussions.
In a meeting with Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari, the two leaders discussed the ways of effectively combating terrorism. He praised the steps taken by Bangladesh in this regard.
They expressed satisfaction over the cooperation between the two countries in various sectors particularly in implementing joint projects.
The Foreign Secretary said Sheikh Hasina also had a meeting with her Netherlands counterpart Mark Rutte where they expressed satisfaction over the process of successful implementation of the Delta Plan.
The Dutch Prime Minister assured Sheikh Hasina that his government would remain beside Bangladesh in its fight against terrorism.
Shahidul Haq said the Prime Minister joined the retreat meeting of ASEM Summit where all issues were discussed openly particularly counter terrorism and violent extremism.
In a statement at the retreat meeting, she called for finding out the roots of terrorism and violent extremism, and said the Masterminds of the evil force should be exposed as well as identifying their promoters, ideas generators, financiers, arms suppliers and trainers to eliminate them.
Sheikh Hasina reiterated terrorists have no religion and no border. Terrorists are terrorists only, she said.
She said as a democratic and peace-loving country there is no room for terrorism and militancy in Bangladesh, which was highly lauded by ASEM leaders.
Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haq said last night Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a long discussion with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the dinner hosted by the Mongolian President in honour of ASEM leaders.
As Angela Merkel was curious about Bangladesh rural development and women’s empowerment, the Prime Minister invited her to visit Bangladesh in December next to join Global Forum of Migration and Development (GFMD) in Dhaka and take firsthand experience on the successes.
