Sovereignty, mutual respect to guide foreign policy: Khalilur

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman yesterday said Bangladesh’s foreign policy will be guided by independence, sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, mutual benefit and national dignity.

“We hope to establish and sustain deep relationships with all our friendly nations, both in our region and across the world,” he told reporters at the foreign ministry after meetings with foreign diplomats.

He said Bangladesh would resolve all bilateral issues in a dignified manner grounded in mutual respect, ensuring that the national interest is protected.

He said he observed immense confidence among foreign diplomats in the new government and a strong eagerness to work closely with Dhaka.

Yesterday, US Ambassador Brent Christensen, European Union Ambassador Michael Miller and other EU ambassadors of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden paid a courtesy call on Khalilur.

On Sunday, ambassadors of India, China, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan called on the foreign minister and state minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed Islam.

Khalilur said, based on discussions with various ambassadors, he is confident that Bangladesh will be able to pursue a dynamic foreign policy in the coming days.

PAUL KAPUR TO VISIT DHAKA EARLY MARCH

US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Paul Kapur will visit Bangladesh in early March, a matter discussed when the US envoy called on Khalilur.

This would be the first high-level visit by any US official after the formation of the new government and comes at a time when there are confusions about the reciprocal trade deal signed by the two countries on February 9.

The US Supreme Court last Friday cancelled the tariffs imposed by Trump, who, however, later announced a 15 percent tariff.

During the meeting, both sides underscored the longstanding partnership built on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a commitment to peace and development, a ministry statement said.

They reviewed key areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, defence and security, development and immigration.

EU FOR CONTINUING REFORMS

EU Ambassador Michael Miller said they look forward to the new government continuing reforms, including in the areas of the judiciary, commercial courts and migration management, launched under the interim government.

He said the EU looks to explore the full potential of EU-Bangladesh relations and begin a new chapter, describing the EU as Bangladesh’s most reliable partner in terms of trade, investment and development.

“It is also a very significant political partner of the new government,” he said.

Khalilur reiterated the government’s commitment to democratic consolidation, rule of law and good governance.

The two sides exchanged views on the possibility of beginning negotiations toward a comprehensive Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement.

CHINESE ENVOY MEETS PM

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen yesterday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Bangladesh Secretariat and assured China’s continued cooperation to safeguard Bangladesh’s sovereignty, national unity, stability, independence and territorial integrity and to oppose foreign interference.

The two sides discussed Bangladesh-China relations, the Rohingya crisis and international and regional issues of common interest.

Ambassador Yao said China is prepared to carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen political mutual trust and deepen comprehensive pragmatic cooperation with the Bangladeshi side, a Chinese embassy statement said.

Tarique said Bangladesh firmly adheres to the one-China principle, upholds the tradition of friendship with China and is willing to work with China to deepen cooperation.

Meanwhile, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering support for the Saarc process and its commitment to working with member states to achieve the shared vision of peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia.

She made the comment when Saarc Secretary General Golam Sarwar called on her at the foreign ministry yesterday.