BD seeks more proactive support from ASEAN

Bangladesh has sought more coordinated and proactive support from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for persuading Myanmar to create a congenial situation for an early, safe and dignified repatriation of more than 1.1 million Rohingya refugees from the country, reports UNB.
Bangladesh also sought the support of Brunei Darussalam in expediting its bid to be a sectoral dialogue partner (SDP) of ASEAN.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen paid a courtesy a call on Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof in Phnom Penh of Cambodia, on Thursday.
They discussed the issues of mutual interest, reasserting their commitment to further strengthening their excellent bilateral ties.
The two countries agreed to accelerate cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, energy, health, pharmaceuticals, connectivity, ICT, tourism, halal trade, human resources development, youth and cultural exchanges.
While discussing the need for high-level visits to further cement the bilateral relations, Yusof expressed their interest in arranging a Bangladesh visit for the sultan of Brunei which got postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Momen welcomed the proposal and both ministers agreed to take all necessary preparations in this regard.
The Bangladesh foreign minister is now on a three-day visit to Cambodia to attend the 29th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) ministerial meeting.