ASEM foreign ministers want Rohingyas’ safe return


FE Team | Published: November 20, 2017 21:50:42 | Updated: November 21, 2017 12:38:16


ASEM foreign ministers want Rohingyas’ safe return

The Foreign Ministers attending 13th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) have called for immediate cessation of hostilities, halting of outflow, early and safe return of externally-displaced Rohingyas from Bangladesh.

On Monday, they also emphasised on implementation of recommendations put forth by the Kofi Annan Commission for a durable solution in this regard.

They made the call at an informal briefing on Rakhine issue for the FMs of Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Estonia, Germany, Malta, Russia, Luxemburg, France, Thailand, Hungary, Finland, Sweden and the High Representative of the EU in Myanmar capital Nay Pyi Taw, a press release said.

Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali is leading a four-member Bangladesh delegation at the two-day 13th ASEM.

The Bangladesh FM on the first day attended two plenary sessions titled "Synergising Peace and Sustainable Development" and "3rd Decade of ASEM: Making ASEM Partnership more Dynamic and connected."

Mahmood Ali in his intervention reaffirmed Bangladesh's firm commitment to peace and development.

He stressed inclusive development embracing all, particularly the minorities, by ensuring rights and equal opportunity for attempting durable peace.

The Minister highlighted shared interest in encouraging peace, security and stability in the region and beyond.

According to a BSS report, he emphasised that marginalisation and denial of basic rights create insecurities, which can lead to forced displacement and destabilise the region.

With a call for working together to promote inclusion and tolerance for peace and development, he cautioned against resurgent nationalism and use of prejudices and exaggerated imaginary threat perceptions.

He urged ASEM to focus more on connectivity of ideas and culture to reduce tensions among countries and region while focusing trade and physical connectivity.

On the sidelines of the event, the FM held bilateral meetings with his counterparts of Switzerland, Hungary, Estonia, Finland and the United Kingdom.

The Ministers discussed bilateral issues and exchanged views on Rohingya crisis particularly early return of displaced Rohingyas and imperative of an inclusive and durable solution to the protracted problem.

Mr Ali sought constant engagement and support from them.

Bedsides, Bangladesh and Hungarian FMs signed a MoU on Educational Cooperation between the two countries for the years of 2018-20.

Under the MoU, Hungary has offered 100 scholarships every year for study in the fields of agriculture, economics, natural science and medical and healthcare.

The Hungarian Minister also offered training assistance in the field of nuclear energy.

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