'Bangladesh First' principle for Bangladesh's foreign policy to continue
Khalilur Rahman had several meeting with the foreign ministers of China, Russia, and the United States on the sideline at ASEAN Regional Forum, Manila. Photo: Collected.
Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has said that Bangladesh's foreign policy will be conducted based on the 'Bangladesh First' principle. On Wednesday, he conveyed this stance during separate bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of China, Russia, and the United States on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed this in a press release. Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister, Humayun Kabir, was also present at these meetings alongside the Foreign Minister.
The press release stated that discussions in all three meetings covered trade, investment, energy, connectivity, and various regional and international issues. The Bangladeshi side firmly emphasized that the country's foreign relations will be managed in light of the 'Bangladesh First' policy, giving utmost importance to national interests.
During the meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further advancing Bangladesh-China comprehensive strategic cooperation and building a Bangladesh-China community with a shared future. The discussions also covered the repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, multi-modal transport corridors, and increasing cooperation in trade, investment, and energy.
In the meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, both countries agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the energy sector. Lavrov congratulated Dr. Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Later, Dr. Khalilur Rahman held a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks covered various aspects of further strengthening Bangladesh-US relations. During this time, Dr. Khalilur Rahman invited the US Secretary of State to visit Bangladesh.
Currently, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the events organized to mark the 50th anniversary of the Southeast Asian Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).
