DHAKA, July 18, 2023 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has requested 
ASEAN to assist and expedite Bangladesh's bid to be its Sectoral Dialogue 
Partner (SDP). 

He made the appeal while holding a bilateral meeting with ASEAN Secretary 
General Dr Kao Kim Hourn in Jakarta, Indonesia on 14 July at the sidelines of 
the 30th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), a foreign ministry's press release said 
here today. 

In reply, the Secretary General assured of extending full support to 
Bangladesh's endeavor of becoming the Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.

Bangladesh foreign minister said being located between ASEAN and SAARC, 
Bangladesh provides a lot of opportunities and potentials to furthering 
trade, investment and wide economic relations with the ASEAN countries.

Bangladesh can play a pivotal role in bridging these two important regions, 
if the status of Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN is obtained, Dr Momen 
observed. 

During the meeting, they also discussed the issues of mutual interests and 
expressed hope of exploring avenues of further engagements and cooperation in 
the coming days.

The foreign minister urged ASEAN for more coordinated and proactive support 
to create a congenial atmosphere for an early, safe and dignified 
repatriation of more than 1.2 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals 
from Bangladesh.

Describing the impressive socio-economic developments of Bangladesh under the 
dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over the 
last 14 years, foreign minister mentioned that Bangladesh is now 
internationally recognized as a role model for development. 

Momen also informed the ASEAN Secretary General that Bangladesh wants to 
arrange a diplomatic training course for the diplomats from ASEAN Member 
States entitled as "Enhancing Engagement between Bangladesh and the ASEAN 
Region for Young/Mid-career Diplomats from ASEAN Countries". 

He also discussed about the Youth Exchange Program between Bangladesh and the 
ASEAN Countries every year.

Apprising that Bangladesh has been playing an active role in ARF, since 
becoming a member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 2006, Dr Momen said, 
Bangladesh is strongly committed to the guiding principles of the Forum to 
foster constructive dialogue and consultation on political and security 
issues of common interests and concerns as well as to make significant 
contributions to the efforts towards confidence-building and preventive 
diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region.