Momen for further strengthening bilateral relations with Serbia

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has stressed the need for further strengthening the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Serbia by holding a foreign office consultation meeting between the two countries, reports BSS.

He underscored the need while holding a bilateral meeting with his Serbian counterpart Nikola Selakovic on the sidelines of the NAM meeting in Belgrade on Thursday, a foreign ministry press release said in Dhaka on Friday.

During the meeting, the whole gamut of trade, investment and labour were discussed.

The foreign minister sought support of Serbia for the early repatriation of the Rohingyas, temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh, to their homeland Myanmar.

On the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Dr. Momen put emphasis on rejuvenation of the relationship between the two friendly countries.

In this regard, he proposed holding a Foreign Office Consultation which the Serbian minister gladly welcomed.

Both sides stressed on the early signing of the two MoUs on visa waiver in respect of diplomatic and official passports and defence co-operation.

Both the foreign ministers also discussed the possibility of hosting joint celebratory events to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Dr Momen highlighted Bangladesh's non-aligned foreign policy as envisioned by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

On October 13, Bangladesh foreign minister met Serbian Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Dr Darija Kisic Tepavcevic.

During the meeting, the possibility of engaging Bangladeshi workforce in the development work of Serbia was discussed.