‘Bangladesh First’ policy to guide foreign relations: Khalilur

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met his counterparts from China, Russia and the US on the margin of ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting in the Philippine’s capital Manila on Wednesday.

These meetings covered a broad spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, energy and connectivity, as well as regional and international issues. During these meetings, the Bangladesh side underlined that “Bangladesh First” policy will guide Bangladesh’s external relations

At the bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both sides pledged to advance comprehensive cooperative partnership and jointly build a China-Bangladesh Community for a shared future. The two Foreign Ministers discussed further cooperation with regards to the repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, multi-modal transport corridor, trade and investment and energy cooperation.

During Bangladesh-Russia bilateral meeting, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov congratulated the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh on his election as the President of the 81st UN General Assembly. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the energy sector.

Later in the afternoon, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Bangladesh Foreign Minister and discussed further strengthening US-Bangladesh ties. Khalilur Rahman invited Rubio to visit Bangladesh.

Khalilur is leading a Bangladesh delegation to the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers meeting and an inter-governmental event marking the 50th Anniversary of Treaty of Amity and Cooperation of Southeast Asia.

The Adviser to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir is accompanying the Foreign Minister during the tour.