Madrid, 16 December 2019:

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam, MP, called upon the international community to address the issue of climate change on most immediate basis. He also emphasized on the need of decisive global collective actions to ensure voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar. State Minister for Foreign Affairs also highlighted the achievements of Bangladesh, particularly in the area of women empowerment when he led the Bangladesh delegation at the 14th Foreign Minister’s Meeting of Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM FMM14) at Madrid, Spain on 16 December 2019.

In his intervention at the Foreign Ministers’ meeting from Asia and Europe that was inaugurated by the King of Spain, State Minister highlighted the achievements of Bangladesh in ensuring gender parity. He also explained the challenges faced by Bangladesh as a climate vulnerable country, and the initiatives by the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to address this enormous challenge. State Minister Shahriar Alam flagged the humanitarian position taken by Bangladesh in providing shelter to the Rohingyas who have fled from their own country after state persecution. 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, and for creating a conducive environment in Myanmar for safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas. In the Chair's statement that was adopted by the Foreign Ministers of the ASEM Member Countries, they called for a durable solution of the Rohingya crisis, and for the creation of the conditions conducive to safe, dignified, sustainable and voluntary return of the Rohingyas. They also underlined the importance of ensuring accountability in this regard.

On the sidelines of the ASEM FMM14, State Minister for Foreign Affairs also held bilateral meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ireland; Foreign Minister of Austria; Foreign Minister of Poland; Foreign Minister of Indonesia; Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation; Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Spain; and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic. In the bilateral meetings, State Minister Shahriar Alam discussed issues of common interest with them. He also elaborated the steps taken by the Government of Bangladesh to attract foreign investment, and to promote international trade. State Minister for Foreign Affairs 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.