Britain and Finland to stand by Bangladesh on Rohingya issue

Staff Reporter :
Britain and Finland have given assurance to stand by Bangladesh on the international platforms to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
The assurances came in two separate bilateral meetings between Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and his British counterpart James Cleverly and Finland Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto on the second day of the 18th IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain on Saturday.
Appreciating the role of Bangladesh for sheltering the Rohingyas, Finland Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto has assured that his country would stand by Bangladesh in the international platforms in a bid to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
Finland’s Foreign Minister appreciated the government of Bangladesh for giving shelters to displaced Rohingya citizens of Myanmar and continuing humanitarian assistance for these people who have been staying in Bangladesh for five years, Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
In the meeting, Finland Foreign Minister lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the measures taken to fight against Covid-19 through the successful implementation of the vaccination program and the unprecedented development of Bangladesh.
Both the leaders reiterated continued support and cooperation on various multilateral and international issues in international forums to strengthen the bilateral relations. When Foreign Minister of Finland appreciated Bangladesh’s initiatives in tackling climate change, Momen also lauded various measures taken by Finland about green energy.
Momen also sought cooperation from Finland to provide support for skill development and technology transfer in this regard.
Highlighting the price hike of various products including food, and energy crisis due to the Russia-Ukraine war, they said that common people around the world were affected due to the war.
They put emphasis on the end of the war immediately for the welfare of the people.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dr Momen and his British counterpart James Cleverly discussed a number of issues of mutual interest including climate change, human rights, social justice, democracy, the Russo-Ukraine war, and the Rohingya crisis. Both the Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the excellent relations between Bangladesh and the UK based on shared values, beliefs, and cultures of the people of both nations.
During the meeting, the British Foreign Secretary expressed deep appreciation to Bangladesh for continuing to provide all necessary means of support to the displaced Rohingya people from Myanmar, and reiterated UK’s continued commitment to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
The Foreign Ministers also underscored the urgent need for a quick resolution of the Russia-Ukraine War to restore regional peace, security, and stability as well as global energy and food supply chains.
In the meeting, Dr. Momen reiterated his appreciation to the British Government for the mutual support and cooperation on numerous multilateral issues in international forums and invited Secretary Cleverly to visit Bangladesh at the earliest opportunity.