ASEAN secretary-general to cooperate Bangladesh

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi has assured of extending his support and necessary coordination with the member states, particularly vis-a-vis Bangladesh’s candidacy for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership status.

The ASEAN secretary-general came up with the assurance as Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen paid a call on him at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Monday, said an official handout here today.

Hoi welcomed Bangladesh’s initiatives for a more institutional engagement with the ASEAN.

Apprising the ASEAN secretary general of the various sectoral initiatives undertaken by Bangladesh, Dr Momen requested Hoi to expedite a decision in the upcoming meeting of the ASEAN.

He also shared the concerns of Bangladesh on the inordinate delay regarding the repatriation of the stranded Myanmar citizens (Rohingyas) sheltered in Bangladesh temporarily.

The foreign minister sought proactive support of ASEAN for kick-starting the repatriation without any further delay.

Giving a brief overview of Bangladesh-ASEAN economic cooperation, Dr Momen urged for a more expanded economic collaboration between Bangladesh and the South East Asian region.

The Foreign Minister extended an invitation to the ASEAN secretary general for a visit to Bangladesh.