PM urges global leaders to put an end to wars, arms race for better future
City Desk :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday appealed to the global leaders to take steps for ending wars, conflicts and arm race to build a better future.
“Human connectivity is the lifeline for peace and progress.
We need to prepare better for future crises.
We must restore faith in mutual respect and understanding among nations,” she said, reports UNB.
The premier was addressing the opening plenary session of the Global Gateway Forum 2023 at GGF Conference Venue here in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium.
She is participating in the Forum at the invitation of the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Hasina said Bangladesh hopes to see the Global Gateway as a great connector for lasting peace and sustainable development.
Over 40 high-level government representatives from EU and partner countries, as well as representatives from financial institutions, the private sector, civil society and international organisations are attending the October 25-26 conference.
They will discuss issues relating to global investment in infrastructure, including challenges faced by the public and private sectors, best practices and lessons learned.
In her speech PM Hasina asked the EU investors to explore facilities in BD economic zones and hi-tech parks.
The prime minister said Bangladesh offers one of the most attractive investment environments in South Asia.
“I invite EU investors to explore the facilities in our Special Economic Zones and Hi-Tech Parks.
We have scope for working further on decent work and the circular economy,” she said.
With 170 million people, Bangladesh is strategically located between South and Southeast Asia.
Bangladesh has the potential to become a trading hub for 3 billion consumers in the region, she said.
She said the road, rail, and port infrastructure is being built in Bangladesh as part of regional economic corridors.
Bangladesh has constructed the Padma Multi-Purpose Bridge with its own resources.
The country has offered access to the Bay of Bengal to the land-linked territories of Nepal, Bhutan, and Northeast India.
The airports of Bangladesh can serve as gateways between the East and the West.
“Connectivity is a common binding factor between Bangladesh and the EU in our Indo-Pacific outlooks,” said Hasina.
She said the EU is a trusted trade, development, and humanitarian partner for Bangladesh.
“We have fruitful cooperation in security, climate change, and human mobility.
Our shared values and commitments remain at the heart of our engagements with the EU,” she added.
“Today, we officially launched negotiations on a bilateral partnership and cooperation agreement.
We signed a landmark contract with EIB for a 350 million-euro loan for investment in renewable energy,” she said.
On this 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-EU relations, she reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to further strengthen the strategic engagements with the EU.
