Khalil invites Secretary Rubio to visit Bangladesh
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has reaffirmed that Bangladesh’s foreign policy will be guided by a “Bangladesh First” approach, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing national interests through balanced engagement with key global partners.
The remarks came after the foreign minister held separate bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of China and Russia, as well as the United States Secretary of State, on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila on Thursday.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, energy, connectivity and regional affairs. During the meetings, the Bangladesh side stressed that its external relations would continue to be conducted in line with the “Bangladesh First” foreign policy.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir accompanied the foreign minister during the meetings.
In his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the comprehensive cooperative partnership between the two countries and advancing the China-Bangladesh Community for a Shared Future.
The two ministers also discussed expanding cooperation on the repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, multimodal transport connectivity, trade and investment, and energy collaboration.
During separate talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the Russian minister congratulated Dr Rahman on his election as President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to deepen cooperation in the energy sector, reflecting the longstanding partnership between Dhaka and Moscow in energy development.
Later, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Dr Rahman to discuss ways of further strengthening bilateral ties between Bangladesh and the United States.
The talks centred on expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest, and the Bangladesh foreign minister invited Secretary Rubio to visit Bangladesh.
Dr Rahman is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the commemorative events marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, being held in the Philippine capital.
The series of high-level bilateral meetings highlights Bangladesh’s efforts to deepen engagement with major global powers while pursuing its national interests under the newly articulated “Bangladesh First” foreign policy framework.
