FM’s 3-nation tour begins to boost UN bid
In a major diplomatic push ahead of a crucial United Nations election, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has embarked on a high-stakes three-nation visit to Turkey, Belgium, and Ethiopia to strengthen international partnerships and secure support for Bangladesh’s UN leadership bid.
The tour—covering Ankara, Brussels, and Addis Ababa—comes at a critical time as Bangladesh intensifies efforts to win the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, with the election scheduled for June.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the foreign minister left Dhaka on Thursday morning for Turkey to attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, reflecting a coordinated strategy to engage key global and regional stakeholders.
In Turkey, he will lead Bangladesh’s delegation at the high-level forum, which brings together world leaders and policymakers. On the sidelines, he is expected to hold bilateral meetings with his Turkish counterpart and other dignitaries to advance Bangladesh’s diplomatic priorities.
From Ankara, the minister will travel to Brussels, where Bangladesh is set to take a significant step in its relations with the European Union.
A framework agreement on the Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) is expected to be signed, while High Representative Kaja Kallas is scheduled to meet him.
The Brussels visit is seen as vital for deepening economic and political ties with the EU, as well as securing European backing for Bangladesh’s UN bid.
The final leg of the tour will take him to Addis Ababa, home to the African Union headquarters, where efforts will focus on garnering support from African nations. The foreign minister is expected to engage with heads of missions and attend a reception to promote Bangladesh’s candidacy and strengthen bilateral relations.
Diplomatic sources describe the visit as a “strategic push” at a decisive moment, noting that success in the UN General Assembly election depends on broad international support.
Bangladesh is contesting the election against Cyprus and has been actively mobilizing diplomatic efforts worldwide. The current initiative builds on a series of high-level visits undertaken by the foreign minister in recent months.
The tour combines multilateral engagement, bilateral cooperation, and targeted vote campaigning in a single coordinated effort.
If successful, the bid would mark Bangladesh’s return to the leadership of the UN General Assembly after four decades, recalling its historic election to the post in 1986.
With the June election approaching, officials say such high-level engagements will play a crucial role, making this three-nation visit a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s global diplomatic campaign.
