ZCZC
BSS-06
ASEM-ROHINGYA
ASEM calls for sustainable return of Rohingya
DHAKA, Dec 17, 2019 (BSS) – Foreign ministers of ASEM (Asia-Europe
Meeting) member countries have called for durable solution of Rohingya crisis
through ensuring dignified and sustainable repatriation of those forcibly
displaced people to their land of origin in Myanmar.
The call which, also sought conducive conditions inside Myanmar for
commencing repatriation as well as accountability over the atrocity committed
against Rohingyas, was adopted by the ministers at the Chair’ statement
during the 14th Foreign Minister’s Meeting of ASEM held in Madrid, Spain on
Monday.
State minister for foreign affairs Md. Shahriar Alam led the Bangladesh
delegation at the meeting where he put emphasis on the need of decisive
global collective actions to ensure voluntary, safe, dignified and
sustainable return of Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar, a press release
said here today.
He insisted that the international community needs to put pressure on
Myanmar for ensuring accountability and justice for the atrocities committed
against the Rohingyas in Myanmar.
The state minister also called upon the international community to address
the issue of climate change on most immediate basis.
He explained the challenges faced by Bangladesh as a climate vulnerable
country, and the initiatives taken by the present government under the
leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to address the enormous challenge.
Shahriar also highlighted different achievements of Bangladesh,
particularly in the area of women empowerment and gender parity at the
meeting, inaugurated by the King of Spain.
On the sidelines of ASEM, the state minister also held bilateral meetings
with deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Ireland, foreign ministers
of Austria, Poland, Indonesia, deputy ministers for foreign affairs of
Russia, Spain and Czech Republic.
At the bilateral meetings, Shahriar Alam invited the Foreign Ministers of
ASEM Members States to invest in Bangladesh.
The ASEM Finance Ministers’ meeting will take place in Dhaka in mid 2020.
BSS/PR/TA/RY/1555 hrs