Dhaka seeks stronger regional cooperation, ASEAN support for Rohingya repat

Dhaka has called upon ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) participants to collectively support efforts to create conducive conditions in Myanmar to facilitate repatriation of over 1.3 million Rohingya to their homeland in Rakhine State.
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman made the call Thursday while addressing the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila.
He made it clear for all that the "Rohingya are not stateless people by circumstance -- they are stateless by design. It is a political failure demanding a political solution".
Referring to his upcoming presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the foreign minister stressed that global challenges must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, said a spokesman for the foreign ministry.
The minister also called on all states to exercise maximum restraint in addressing maritime disputes.
Addressing climate-change challenges, he has noted that Bangladesh remains committed to promoting enhanced regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and early-warning systems.
Highlighting the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, he proposed exploring a regional technology governance framework that reflects the region's unique geopolitical and developmental realities.
Also, the foreign minister held bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Singapore, Sri Lanka and Australia and the Vice President of the European Commission.
In the meetings, a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues, including trade and investment, tourism, humanitarian assistance, and reciprocal support in multilateral fora were discussed.
The ministers congratulated Foreign Minister Rahman on his election as President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and assured him of their cooperation during his tenure.

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