Kenyan Foreign Minister Dr. Monica Juma is on an official visit to Bangladesh from 6-8 March 2019 with a 6-member delegation. During the visit, Dr. Juma and the Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, M.P. held bilateral talks at the State Guest House, Meghna.Dr. Momen was joined by Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque and other high officials of the Foreign Ministryat the talks.
During the discussions, held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, the Kenyan Foreign Minister commended the tremendous social progress and economic development that is taking place in Bangladesh under the pragmatic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She underlined the importance of enhancing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Kenya by intensifying and diversifying cooperation in different sectors.
Minister Momen briefed the Kenyan delegation on the significance of historic 7th March for Bangladesh and highlighted the leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He emphasized on the potential of enhancing trade ties between Bangladesh and Kenya and underscored the high quality of Bangladeshi products and services. He particularly stressed on the high standard of Bangladeshi Ready Made Garments, pharmaceuticals, jute and jute products, leather products which could be imported from Bangladesh at a competitive price. He appreciated the Kenyan side for creating favourable investment climate for the Bangladeshi entrepreneurs who have already initiated joint ventures in Kenya. During the talks, it was agreed that a business delegation from Bangladesh could visit Kenya to identify products and services which can be exported to Kenya. MinisterMomen also mentioned that Bangladesh is ready to extend support in the agriculture sector of Kenya.
Bothsides agreed that cooperation in education, science, technology, should be institutionalized through signing relevant agreements. Both sides also agreed on holding foreign office consultations soon.
Minister Momen, also briefed the visitingKenyan Foreign Minister about the more than one million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar who are being sheltered by Bangladesh.He stressed the need for the international community toput pressure on the Myanmar government to implement the agreement signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar for repatriation ofthe Rohingyas in safety, security and dignity back to their homeland in Myanmar. Dr. Juma thanked the Government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the unprecedented and historic humanitarian gesture shown by Bangladesh to give shelter to the Rohingyas who fled inhuman violence and atrocities in Myanmar.
Minister Momen hosted a dinner at the State Guest House, Padma in honour of the Kenyan Foreign Minister which was attended by high level dignitaries from both sides.
Dr. Juma is also visiting India and Sri Lanka during her South Asian tour.