Dhaka, 3 August 2018,

Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, MP, held meeting with Indian State Minister for External Affairs General (Rtd) Vijay Kumar Singh on the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Regional Forum meeting in Singapore. During the meeting, the two Ministers discussed the latest situation on the repatriation of the Rohingyas as per the agreement signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Indian State Minister reassured their readiness to extend all possible cooperation and support to Bangladesh for implementation of the terms of the agreement. Bangladesh Foreign Minister informed Mr. Singh that he would be visiting Myanmar on 9 August 2018 to see the preparation made so far regarding accommodation facilities, particularly installation of pre-fabricated houses for repatriation of Rohingyas. The Indian State Minister communicated India’s interest in the Solar Alliance and renewable energy cooperation with Bangladesh. He also expressed his commitment to accelerate the BIMSTEC process and sought Bangladesh’s support in this regard. He also offered assistance to Bangladesh regarding the establishment of a Holocaust museum in memory of the martyrs of the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali also met Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland on the sidelines of ARF. Canadian Foreign Minister praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her extraordinary approach in giving shelter to more than one million Rohingyas in Bangladesh. She also reiterated Canada’s possible help for mitigating the sufferings of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas. Bangladesh Foreign Minister thanked Canada for its overwhelming support for the cause of Rohingyas issue. Canadian Foreign Minister thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Ali for the warm hospitality extended to her during her recent visit to Bangladesh. Foreign Minister Ali conveyed the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the Canadian Prime Minister to visit Bangladesh. The Canadian Foreign Minister assured that she would convey the invitation to Canadian Prime Minister soon. Singapore is hosting the 25th ASEAN Regional Forum’s Foreign Ministers Meeting from 3 to 4 August 2018. Foreign Minister will deliver a speech at the ARF retreat session tomorrow.