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BSS-36
MOMEN-DIPLOMATE-BRIEFING
Diplomats assure of continuing support to new govt: FM
DHAKA, Nov 17, 2019 (BSS) – Diplomats of different countries assigned here today assured of continuing all support to the new government in all possible ways so that Bangladesh can achieve its desired development goals with prosperity.
The assurance came while newly appointed Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr A K Abdul Momen briefed the diplomats at the State Guest House Padma in the capital.
The maiden briefing of the foreign minister was attended by 55 members of the diplomatic community, including the Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Consul Generals of all the foreign missions and representatives from the UN offices based in Dhaka.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque and other senior officials of the ministry of foreign affairs were also present at the briefing.
“We promised (to the foreign minister) our supports, cooperation and collaboration for the development of this country and also progress, prosperity and peace of Bangladesh. So, whatever we can we’ll do,” Dean of Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Vatican to Bangladesh Archbishop George Kocherry told reporters emerging from the meeting.
The new foreign minister Dr Momen invited all the diplomats and representatives of different development agencies residing here to share his ministry’s plan, including the Rohingya issue and economic diplomacy.
“I would say it was a friendly talk to get to know each other. He was telling his plan and how he can promote the name and fame of Bangladesh in the international field,” Ambassador Kocherry said.
Bangladesh is giving much importance to economic diplomacy and the issue also came up in the briefing apart from other issues, he added.
During the briefing, the foreign minister seeks cooperation from international community in fulfilling election manifesto of the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
On the issue of Rohingya, the Foreign Minister thanked the international community for their support and expressed expectation that the international community would continue to play a constructive role in resolving the Rohingya crisis which lies in their safe, sustainable and dignified return to Myanmar.
Momen briefed the diplomats about the achievements made by the Government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over the last decade in the field of poverty alleviation, improvement of maternal and child health, sanitation, foreign reserve and infrastructure development.
The foreign minister stated that the government would continue its journey towards achieving its development agenda, articulated in Vision 2021, Agenda 2030 and Vision 2041 through successful application of economic diplomacy.
He sought support, cooperation, collaboration and partnership of all the members present at the briefing to build the Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal) as dreamt by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The foreign minister reiterated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vow to eliminate ‘corruption’ and ensure good governance in Bangladesh by maintaining a strong policy of zero tolerance.
He also solicited international community’s cooperation in the field of trade and investment, public-private partnership and empowerment of youths and women.
Referring to the UNGA resolutions sponsored by Bangladesh on People’s Empowerment and Development, Culture of Peace and Autism Awareness, he stressed on the continued focus of Bangladesh establishing and maintaining peace and stability in the world. He also expressed his interest to foster regional cooperation.
The dean of the diplomatic core took the floor on behalf of all and congratulated the foreign minister and the state minister for their success in the election.
BSS/ASG/TA/KU/2003 HRS