DHAKA, Jan 20, 2022 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has sought

Indonesian support to Bangladesh's candidature for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue
Partner as Dhaka has been maintaining vibrant trade relations with some
Southeast Asian nations since long.

   He made the urge during a telephone conversation with Indonesian Foreign
Minister Retno L P Marsudi on Wednesday afternoon, a foreign ministry press
release said here.

   The Indonesian foreign minister expressed her support to Bangladesh's
candidature and suggested for fostering a greater engagement between
Bangladesh and the member countries of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast
Asian Nations) in this regard.

   During the conversation, the two foreign ministers expressed deep
satisfaction over the existing excellent bilateral ties and trade cooperation
between the two countries and vowed to further strengthen the relations in
depth and dimensions.

   Dr Momen emphasized expeditious conclusion of the proposed Bilateral
Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) for further enhancement of trade and
commerce between the two countries, preferably during this year that marks a
watershed in the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Indonesia.

   The Bangladesh foreign minister also stressed reducing the imbalance
existing in the bilateral trade by increasing Indonesian imports from here.

   Dr. Momen observed that Bangladesh has been enjoying brotherly and cordial
relationship with Indonesia since independence while both the ministers
agreed to celebrate the 50th year of the diplomatic ties this year in a
befitting manner.

   Bangladesh foreign minister thanked Indonesia for their humanitarian
support extended to the Rohingyas and sought political support from Indonesia
on the repatriation issue.

   He requested for Indonesia's and ASEAN's continued support in bringing
about a sustainable and permanent solution to this protracted crisis.

   Marsudi noted with profound satisfaction the fact that Bangladesh-
Indonesia bilateral relations was strengthening and laid importance on
further political and economic collaboration for taking the relations to a
newer level.