Iftekhar, who is now in Manila, was speaking at a meeting between the foreign ministers attending the ongoing Asean Regional Forum (ARF) and Philippines President Gloria Arroyo at the Malacanang Presidential Palace, according to a foreign ministry press release from Manila.

He said, "Bangladesh is committed to peace and development and is pleased to join the ARF at a time when the dawn of the Asian Century is breaking out across the global horizon."

"As all are aware, Bangladesh today is undergoing great changes. Reforms are in motion, setting up institutions that would sustain the pluralist spirit and urges of the Bangladeshi people for a long time to come," said the foreign adviser, who is heading the Bangladeshi delegation attending the ARF for the first time.

"At home and abroad we are a mainstream and moderate voice encouraging bridge-building across faiths and communities; we take great pride in the communal harmony that pervades our society," he said.

Citing the recent gift of Gautam Buddha's hair relics to Sri Lanka, Iftekhar said it was given "not because we wanted to be seen as generous, but because we wanted to share our heritage with the Sri Lankan Buddhists".

Lauding the Philippines for its measures to encourage 'communal harmony' between its Christian and Muslim communities, he said Bangladesh would support and welcome the Philippines as an 'observer' in the Organisation of Islamic Conference.