Phnom Penh, 6 August 2022 (TDI): The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Abdul Momen, on Friday, urged ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders to make collective efforts in tackling challenges faced by the region.
Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, MP addressing the 29th Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) today at Phnom Penh, Cambodia. pic.twitter.com/Xuu3nmDttq
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh (@BDMOFA) August 5, 2022
The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Abdul Momen delivered a speech at the 29th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The 29th ARF meeting is being conducted under the theme “Asian ACT: Addressing Challenges Together”.
During the speech, the Foreign Minister highlighted some key challenges including new variants of Covid-19 and climate change. Moreover, the Minister also highlighted other issues including the global turmoil due to conflict in Europe, economic recession and food commodity crisis.
In addition to this, the Foreign Minister presented an overview of Bangladesh’s socio-economic development in the last decade and a half.
Abdul Momen said “Bangladesh government is working relentlessly under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to transform Bangabandhu’s vision of a world free of economic inequalities, social injustice, exploitation, aggression, and threats of nuclear war into a reality.”
Rohingya Crisis
The Foreign Minister also shed light on the Rohingya crisis. While highlighting the crisis, he asked for more focus and active support from the ARF countries for a durable solution.
Moreover, the Foreign Minister requested Western leaders to impose strong economic sanctions on Myanmar. “Myanmar is not likely to listen to world leadership unless economic sanction is imposed on them,” the Minister said.
Six Proposals
Abdul Momen concluded his speech with six proposals for ensuring resilient economic cooperation in the region. The proposals focused on strengthening cooperation, connectivity, research, and investment among countries.
Additionally, the proposals also included joint action against the threat of climate change and marine resource exploration. Lastly, the Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to work closely with ARF for our collective development and prosperity.
