BD will have to maintain good relations with US, India and China

Staff Reporter :
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said that Bangladesh is more focused on a balanced diplomacy in this region while maintaining relations with regional and big powers.
“India is a big neighbour of Bangladesh and a friend of us. We have trade relations with China as well. We maintain a balance in relation with China and India. Friendship to all, malice to none is our foreign policy,” he said.
He said this while addressing as the Chief Guest a dialogue on “Recent Achievements in the International Arena: Possibilities and Challenges’ organised by Bangaldesh Study Trust in the Jatiya Press Club in the capital.
The minister said that Bangladesh cannot ignore any country due to its geostrategic location while keeping relations with big powers like the USA and Russian and regional powers like China and India.
“We have challenges here. Three powerful countries – the US, China and India – are dominant in this region. Of them, two are our neighbours. We keep relations with them in such a way so that our relations are cemented,” he observed.
Talking about the interdependence of foreign policy, he said, “Every country prepares its own foreign policy based on individual interest. We are now living in a world of inter-dependence. The dependence is so profound that a little bit of problems can cause troubles for all.”
About Bangladesh relations with the USA, the foreign minister said, “The USA is one of our biggest investors. We have to keep good relations with them. We have good relations with the US. As a friendly country, the US can recommend us on various matters. If the US was not our friend, they would not give us suggestions. They could attack us. We must accept whatever suggestions are good.”
“It is not correct to think that we are perfect in all affairs. If we have any weakness, our friend will let us know. If there is something worse, we will see it,” he added.
Regarding Bangladesh relations with India, Dr Momen said, “India is historically a friend of ours. It is a wonderful relationship. Bangladesh and India have resolved a number of major problems. The Muslim countries could not obtain

such an achievement without bullets.” He also said that a golden chapter has rolled out owing to the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“India has invited the Prime Minister to attend the G-20 summit in Delhi, though Bangladesh is not a member of the alliance. It has been possible due to good relations,” he added.
Highlighting on various contributions of China in Bangladesh, he said, “China is a big development partner. We have huge trade relations with them. They also want to enhance more trade relations. We have profound relations with China.” He also said, “Maintaining a balance in foreign relations with the US, China and India is not an easy matter. But it has been possible for the realistic leadership of the Prime Minister.”
Apart from these countries Bangladesh maintains good relations with the European Union, Russia and Saudi Arabia.
“The Saudi government has offered jobs for 26 lakh Bangladeshis. We also have various relations including trade. Japan is also a big partner of ours. We have a big loan from Japan,” he said. He has also pointed out the historical relations with Russia and their contribution to the development of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant which will be completed in time.
Pointing to the ASEAN countries, the foreign minister said, “The ASEAN bloc is being powerful. We want to keep relations with them. We need them for the resolution of the Rohingya crisis.”
Addressing the dialogue as the Special Guest, State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam said, “The biggest challenge for Bangladesh now is inflation. We need to focus here. Our efforts are continuing to bring the situation under control.”
BST Chairman and former Vice-Chancellor of National University Professor Dr Harun Ur Rashid moderated the event while Professor ASM Ali Ashraf, department of international relations, Dhaka University presented a keynote paper.