Bangladesh called on developed countries to resolve global crises: Momen

At the ministerial level meeting of G20 members held in Delhi, Bangladesh called on developed countries to take initiatives to solve internal and global problems.

In particular, Bangladesh discussed with various countries issues related to food shortage, energy security, global recession, humanitarian cooperation and repatriation of Rohingyas, said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at a press briefing on Thursday.

Bangladesh participated as a guest country in the meeting held on 1-3 March. G-20 is an alliance of 19 countries and the European Union. Bangladesh is not a member of this alliance. India will host the G-20 summit in September this year to mark the 75th Anniversary of its independence. Bangladesh will be the only guest country from South Asia to participate in the conference.

Terming the opportunity to participate in the G-20 summit unique, Momen said India has given Bangladesh an opportunity to present its point of view directly to the developed countries. Other countries are giving importance to Bangladesh because of India. The Indian prime minister said Bangladesh is their best neighbouring country and it wants Bangladesh by its side in all areas.

Momen said earlier Bangladesh had to lobby a lot for an appointment to hold meetings with representatives of developed countries, but this time the developed countries wanted to discuss different issues with Bangladesh. It was possible because of the development and foreign policy of Bangladesh, which has been maintaining an independent position.

Bangladesh held discussions with India to resolve various issues including border killing, and setting up of installations within 150 yards of the border. Bangladesh has also requested India not to stop supply of essential commodities suddenly, to which India has agreed.

Momen also discussed bilateral issues with the USA at the meeting. "I must say it was very constructive. They have a good understanding of everything, but still sometimes they behave in provocative ways. The US secretary of state said Bangladesh is going to prove itself as an ideal state. The country is moving forward with so many people. The USA wants to be with Bangladesh during its development journey."

In response to a question, Momen said there was no discussion with the USA regarding the sanction issues. There were talks about killings of people as well as cops in both the countries, which were not done by the government. Issues related to the Digital Security Act (DSA) and religious tolerance were also discussed. The USA said they have problems with privacy act, freedom of speech, and media in their country too.

Bangladesh also held bilateral meetings with France, Sweden, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Slovenia, South Africa, and South Korea, Russia, the UK, Canada, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Italy, European Union and Argentina.

Momen said Mexico will launch their mission in Dhaka very soon.

He said the French foreign minister has emphasised on facing the future challenges jointly in view of the geo-political situation of Bangladesh.

Every country has been informed that Bangladesh is a peace-loving country. It does not want war. The Russia-Ukraine war is causing many difficulties and the poor countries are suffering more for it. Bangladesh has asked India to take the lead in this regard, said Momen.

He also said the foreign minister of Brazil wants to increase bilateral relations with Bangladesh. Brazil has been informed that Bangladesh is seeking access to Mercosur countries – a South American trade bloc. The same has been reported to Argentina.

The Brazilian foreign minister highly appreciated Bangladesh's South-South Cooperation initiative and wanted to stay with it. Mexico has shown interest in investing in IT, pharmaceuticals, shipping in the country, said the foreign minister.

Momen said Sweden has sought Bangladesh's cooperation for implementing a long term plan. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has called on Sweden to come forward to deal with the climate change impacts.

Apart from this, the foreign minister of Spain has asked for Bangladesh's cooperation in various areas. Bangladesh has been working with Spain for a long time in various bilateral forums. There are various elections and Spain will support Bangladesh in them.

Slovenia's foreign minister also sought Bangladesh's support in international forums.

The South Korean minister said they have been planning to invest about $100 billion in Bangladesh and sought assistance in this matter.