FM seeks support for Security Council membership

Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni sought support of member states of ACD forBangladeshcandidature for the non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for the term of 2016-17.

She led theBangladeshdelegation at the Eleventh Ministerial Meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) taken place in the Tajikistan Capital,Dushanbeon March 28-29.

She supported the decision to establish a provisional Secretariat for ACD inKuwaitCity.

In her address on Friday at the meeting held under the theme ‘Towards economic growth, stability and prosperity in Asia through sustainable development’, the Bangladesh Foreign Minister called on ACD members for coordinating positions at international negotiations for elaboration of the Sustainable Development Goals.

She identified climate change and natural disasters as the key challenges for sustainable development inAsiaand stressed the need for greater collaboration in these areas.

Speaking of developmental challenges for Asia, she highlighted the ‘People’s Empowerment and Development Model’ of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a people and peace-centric development model which will be a valuable input for the discourse on post-MDG development agenda.

She welcomed proposals on Asian Development Fund and Enhanced Infrastructural Connectivity that are currently under negotiation.

The President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, during his inaugural speech at ACD Ministerial Meeting, expressed sincere condolence at the demise of President M Zillur Rahman and conveyed deep sympathy for the bereaved family and people ofBangladesh. Ministers and heads of delegation, during their country statements, also condoled the death of theBangladeshPresident.

On the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting, the Foreign Minister paid a courtesy call on the President Rahmon ofTajikistan. The Tajik President reiterated his condolence and sympathy at the passing away of President Zillur Rahman.

Referring to the good reputation earned by a Bangladeshi consulting firm inTajikistan, the Foreign Minister expressed the interest ofBangladeshto export skilled manpower toTajikistan. The Tajik President assured of his consideration of the issue.

He also said that he would ask his Foreign Minister to energize the existing bilateral relations between the two countries through conclusion of legal instruments and exchange of high-level visits. The Tajik President lauded the Bangladesh Foreign Minister for her active participation in the 11th ACD Ministerial Meeting.

After arrival inDushanbeyesterday, the Bangladesh Foreign Minister held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Tajikistan, Mr. Hamrokhon Zarifi.

During the meeting, the two Foreign Ministers discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, particularly the finalisation of the Agreement on Trade and Economic Co-operation between the two countries, which is now lying with the Tajik authorities.

The Bangladesh Foreign Minister also proposed exploration of the possibility of export of skilledBangladeshmanpower toTajikistan. The two Foreign Ministers discussed ways and means to enhance trade and investment, particularly in the ready-made garment and pharmaceutical sectors.

The Tajik Foreign Minister showed interest in appointing an Honorary Consul inBangladesh. He also proposed exploration of the possibility of establishment of flight operation between Dhaka andDushanbe. The Foreign Ministers underscored need for exchange of high-level visits between the two friendly countries for further consolidation of bilateral relations.

BangladeshForeign Minister held bilateral meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister ofKuwaitand Vice Foreign Minister of Japan on the sidelines of the ACD Ministerial and discussed issues of mutual interests.  They expressed satisfaction at excellent bilateral relations betweenBangladeshand their countries.

Kuwaitshowed their interest in investing in the oil and gas sectors inBangladesh. Bangladesh Foreign Minister discussed further scope of manpower export and defence cooperation withKuwait. She urged to enhance bilateral trade cooperation between the two countries.

The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister said that His Highness the Emir expects to visitBangladeshat a mutually convenient date in the near future. Japanese Vice Foreign Minister said although their ODA is decreasing but their support toBangladeshhas remained unchanged.

BangladeshForeign Minister thanked Japanese Vice Minister for their support in mega infrastructure projects in Bangladeshand their 34th Yen loan package ofUS dollar 2 billion. They showed keen interest in our textile sector.

At the proposal of Bangladesh Foreign Minister to support in vocational training for Bangladeshi care givers and nurses and recruit them inJapanthe Japanese Vice Minister responded positively.Japanalso soughtBangladesh’s support forTokyoas the city of Olympic in 2020.

Foreign Minister ofBangladeshalso exchanged views with the Foreign Ministers ofAfghanistan,Kyrgyzstan,KazakhstanandIran.

Asia Cooperation Dialogue is a forum for dialogue among 32 participating Asian countries. Bangladesh is a founding member of ACD. Since inception of ACD in 2002, Foreign Ministers of member states have been meeting annually. Last year, ACD leaders, for the first time, met in a Summit in Kuwait in celebration of ACD’s tenth anniversary.banglnews24.com

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