Foreign envoys show ‘immense aplomb’ in new govt
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Monday said he has observed “immense confidence” among foreign diplomats in the new government and a strong eagerness to work closely with Dhaka.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after separate meetings with United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen and the European Union Ambassador Michael Miller.
“After taking charge under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, we have started meetings with foreign ambassadors in our country since yesterday,” the foreign minister said. “We have told them the outline of our government’s foreign policy.”
He said the government’s guiding principle would be “Bangladesh First, Bangladesh above all,” grounded in independence, sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, mutual benefit and national dignity.
“Our activities will be established on these principles,” he said. “We want to build mutually beneficial relationships with every country as equals.”
Dr Rahman noted that in meetings so far with ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, China, India, Pakistan, the United States and several representatives from the European Union, he found “their immense confidence in this government and their strong desire to work closely with us.”
“We hope that we can establish and continue very deep relationships with all our friendly nations in our region and other parts of the world,” he added.
On outstanding bilateral matters, the minister said, “We will resolve the issues we have in a dignified manner on the basis of mutual respect, where our interests and everyone’s interests are protected.”
He expressed optimism about the road ahead. “Based on the discussions I have had so far with various ambassadors, I am confident that in the coming days we will be able to conduct a very dynamic foreign policy,” he said.
Declining to take specific questions, Dr Rahman clarified that the meetings held so far were courtesy calls.
“The meetings that have taken place are courtesy and friendly meetings. After this, we will discuss specific issues, and there is plenty of time left for that,” he said.
