Bangladesh highlights peace, democracy at 'Dakar forum' in Senegal

Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, global peace, and inclusive development, with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam outlining key priorities at the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa.

Ousmane Sonko, prime minister of Senegal, warmly welcomed Shama Obaed Islam and conveyed his deep appreciation for Bangladesh's active participation in the "Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa".

The state minister thanked the Government of Senegal for the invitation and the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue on shared global and regional challenges, while also expressing gratitude to Senegal for being the first African country to recognise Bangladesh as an independent state and stressing the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Sonko commended the successful democratic process in Bangladesh and reaffirmed his government's strong commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Recalling the visit of President Ziaur Rahman to Senegal in March 1981, accompanied by Khaleda Zia, both sides noted that it laid an important foundation for consolidating friendly ties between Bangladesh and Senegal.

Shama reiterated the BNP-led government's commitment to strengthening economic, digital, humanitarian, and social protection programmes to improve living standards and ensure overall welfare.

She also underscored the important role of youth in driving positive social change.

Referring to Bangladesh's contributions to UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, she called for collective international action to advance global peace and the "Women, Peace and Security" agenda.

She paid tribute to former prime minister Khaleda Zia for her role in expanding women's education and stressed the importance of women's participation in ensuring sustainable peace and stability.

The Senegalese prime minister expressed his government's keen interest in expanding cooperation in trade, economic development, sports, and culture, while both leaders emphasised the importance of deepening people-to-people contacts and fostering stronger business-to-business linkages to unlock the full potential of the relationship.

The state minister also underscored the need for holding regular Foreign Office Consultations, an initiative undertaken by Bangladesh, as a key mechanism to further institutionalise and advance bilateral engagement.

Shama further conveyed the invitation of Tarique Rahman, prime minister of Bangladesh to Prime Minister Sonko to undertake an official visit to Bangladesh, which he thanked her for and graciously accepted, agreeing to visit at a mutually convenient time.

The state minister is on a three-day official visit to Dakar, where she is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the Dakar International Forum.