Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Thursday called upon ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) participants to collectively support efforts to create conducive conditions in Myanmar to facilitate repatriation of more than 1.3 million Rohingyas to their homeland in Rakhine State.
While addressing the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila, he observed, “The Rohingya are not stateless people by circumstance — they are stateless by design. It is a political failure demanding a political solution”.
Referring to his upcoming Presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Minister stressed that global challenges must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, said a foreign ministry spokesman.
The minister called on all states to exercise maximum restraint in addressing maritime disputes.
Addressing climate change challenges, the Foreign Minister noted that Bangladesh remains committed to promoting enhanced regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and early warning systems. Highlighting the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, he proposed exploring a regional technology governance framework that reflects the region’s unique geopolitical and developmental realities.
Also, Foreign Minister held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Singapore, Sri Lanka and Australia and the Vice President of European Commission. In the meetings, wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues including trade and investment, tourism, humanitarian assistance, reciprocal support in multilateral for a were discussed.
The ministers congratulated Foreign Minister Rahman on his election as President of 81st UN General Assembly and assured him of their cooperation during his tenure.