Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said that the collective market of ASEAN held significant promise for Bangladesh’s economic growth.
‘We are eager to explore opportunities for increased collaboration in sectors such as textile, pharmaceuticals, information technology, agriculture, blue economy, and renewable energy,’ he said, adding that another area of mutual interest was the promotion of peace and stability in the region.
The foreign minister was speaking as the chief guest at a function celebrating 56th ASEAN Day at the Thai embassy in Dhaka.
Momen said, ‘Bangladesh highly values the ASEAN community and the constructive role it plays in the global arena.’
He emphasised the immense potential for cooperation between Bangladesh and ASEAN. ‘We recognise the importance of strengthening ties in trade, investment, technology, and human capital development.’
The foreign minister said that Bangladesh commended ASEAN’s commitment to resolve disputes through peaceful means and inclusive dialogue.
Bangladesh firmly believed that peaceful resolution of conflicts was the key to fostering greater understanding and cooperation between nations, Momen said.
‘As we celebrate the ASEAN Day, let us renew our determination and redouble our collective efforts to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, fostering an environment where peace and progress can thrive,’ he said.
‘Together, we can create a brighter and more prosperous future for our people and the generations to come,’ he added.
Momen said that Bangladesh’s peace-centric foreign policy — centered on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s dictum ‘friendship to all, malice toward none’ — promoted principles of non-alignment.
He said this was reflected in Bangladesh’s recently announced Indo-Pacific Outlook.
‘Bangladesh is willing to become a Sectorial Dialogue Partner of ASEAN to deepen its relations with member states and their people,’ Momen said.
He said that the presence of Bangladesh in the ASEAN was expected to forge synergistic partnership towards mutual benefits.
‘I spoke about the vast potentials and sentiments between ASEAN and Bangladesh during my interactions with ASEAN leaders and its secretary general, drawing their appreciation, while attending the recently held 30th ASEAN Regional Forum in Jakarta,’ he said.
Diplomats representing ASEAN countries in Dhaka were present at the event.
Source: Newage Bangladesh
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<p>Time: 2024 By: Ministry of Industry and Trade</p>
