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Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali on Monday urged the countries in ASEM to focus more on connectivity of ideas and cultures to reduce tensions among the countries and continents.
"We must priortise projects to form a better respect for each other's civilisational past and socio-cultural norms and value-systems," he said.
The Foreign Minister said it while addressing the plenary session-2 of 13th ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting titled '3rd Decade of ASEM: Making ASEM Partnership
Though he did not touch Rohingya issue, especially at the plenary sessions, the Foreign Minister will discuss the issue in details with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi after the ASEM meeting on Tuesday, says a UNB report.
The Foreign Minister said many countries are facing existential threats and being subject to unending adaptations at very high costs.
"As such, our two regions should also coordinate more and strongly articulate views on protecting our environment and the planet earth,” he said.
"In this era of digitisation and satellite-based communication, scope for stronger digital connectivity is very high. Higher levels of digital connectivity will naturally contribute to bringing our people closer to each other," he added.
The Foreign Minister also spoke at the plenary session-1 of 13th ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting on "Synergising Peace and Sustainable Development."