Newly appointed Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr A K Abdul Monem briefed the diplomatic core today at the State Guest House Padma. 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.
At the outset of the briefing the Foreign Minister thanked the members of the diplomatic core for attending the session and sought their cooperation in performing his new assignment as Foreign Minister. Referring to 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, infrastructure development, 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 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Foreign Minister reiterated Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vow to eliminate ‘corruption’ and ensure 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, empowerment of youth and women. Referring to the UN GA resolutions sponsored by Bangladesh on People’s Empowerment and Development, Culture of Peace and Autism Awareness, he stressed on the continued focus of Bangladesh is establishing and maintaining peace and stability in the world. He also expressed his interest to foster regional cooperation.
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.
The State Minister stated that the new government wants to build on the success achieved so far and expressed his hope that in the coming days the cooperation from the friends and partners would be stronger, wider and deeper.
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 and expressed their interest to continue cooperation with Bangladesh in achieving its agenda for progress, development and peace.