Bangladesh seeks Korean assistance on climate change issues

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister M Shahab Uddin today sought South Korea’s help in implementing all the ambitious activities related to the environment and climate change, BSS reports.

“At least 4 billion US dollars are being spent a year to tackle the negative impacts of climate change and a planetary emergency has been declared to raise awareness about environmental pollution,” he said.

The minister made this appeal while South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-Kyun called on him at his ministry’s conference room here this morning.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to work together on various issues, including tackling the effects of climate change, conserving the environment, use of renewable energy and conserving biodiversity.

The minister informed the South Korean envoy that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is currently serving as the Chairperson of the Climate Vulnerability Forum. Moreover, with the establishment of the regional office of the Global Center of Adaptation in Dhaka, the work in this regard has started in full swing.

The two friendly countries have to work on issues of mutual interest in their own national interests.

Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Md. Mostafa Kamal, Additional Secretary (Administration) Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Additional Secretary (Development) A. Shamim Al Razi, Additional Secretary (Climate Change) Md. Mizanul Hoque Chowdhury, Additional Secretary (Environment) Md. Moniruzzaman, Joint-Secretary (Climate Change) Sanjay Kumar Bhowmik and First Secretary of the Korean Embassy Hojun Lee were present at the meeting.

Referring to Bangladesh as a very close ally of South Korea, the South Korean Ambassador said the two countries were working sincerely on the basis of mutual cooperation and understanding, which would continue at a steady pace.

Bangladesh and South Korea will work together on a range of issues, including technical education, renewable energy and climate change, Lee added.

During the courtesy call-on, the South Korean diplomat requested Bangladesh to support South Korea in hosting the COP-28. He also invited the Environment Minister to attend the Asia-Pacific Environment Ministers’ Conference to be held in South Korea next October.