Khalilur urges stronger regional cooperation for Rohingya solution

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has called on participants of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to collectively support efforts to create conducive conditions in Myanmar for the repatriation of more than 1.3 million Rohingyas to their homeland in Rakhine State.

He made the call while addressing the 33rd ARF Ministerial Meeting in Manila on Thursday, according to a foreign ministry press release.

“The Rohingya are not stateless people by circumstance -- they are stateless by design. It is a political failure demanding a political solution,” he said.

Referring to his upcoming presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Khalilur stressed that global challenges must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

He also called on all states to exercise maximum restraint in addressing maritime disputes.

On climate change, the Foreign Minister said Bangladesh remained committed to promoting enhanced regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and early warning systems.

Highlighting the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, he proposed exploring a regional technology governance framework reflecting the region’s unique geopolitical and developmental realities.

Khalilur also held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Singapore, Sri Lanka and Australia, as well as the Vice-President of the European Commission.

During the meetings, they discussed a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues, including trade and investment, tourism, humanitarian assistance and reciprocal support in multilateral forums.

The ministers congratulated Khalilur on his election as President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly and assured him of their cooperation during his tenure.