‘Govt committed to taking Bangladesh-ASEAN ties to new heights’
Fisheries, Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid Monday night reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to elevating its historic, cultural, and economic partnership with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states to new heights for mutual benefit.
”Bangladesh shares longstanding ties with ASEAN member states rooted in history, culture, and mutual trust,” the minister said. “These bonds have been further strengthened through land and maritime connectivity, robust people-to-people contacts, and expanding trade relations.”
He made the remarks while addressing as chief guest a reception organized by the ASEAN Dhaka Committee (ADC)- comprising heads of ASEAN diplomatic missions in Bangladesh- at the Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel to mark the 59th ASEAN Day.
Highlighting the diplomatic priorities of the current administration, the minister noted that the government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attaches the highest importance to its relationship with all 11 ASEAN member countries. He pointed out that the Prime Minister chose Malaysia for his first official foreign visit, expressing optimism that the trip would significantly bolster bilateral and regional cooperation.
To institutionalize and sustain this partnership, Bangladesh has formally applied to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner (SDP) of ASEAN, the minister informed the gathering.
Detailing sectoral initiatives, he cited an ongoing $1 million project titled Bangladesh-ASEAN Cooperation Project on Fisheries and Aquaculture implemented by his ministry, adding that additional joint initiatives in tourism, ICT, and culture are currently in the pipeline.
”ASEAN stands as one of the world’s most successful regional blocs. Formalizing a closer association with the ASEAN family will render our relationship far more meaningful and multifaceted,” Minister said, seeking the active support of ASEAN envoys present at the event to secure Bangladesh’s SDP status.
The event was attended by Chair of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee and Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohammad Shuhada Othman, Philippine Ambassador Neena Padilla Cinglet, along with other ASEAN heads of mission, senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and civil society representatives.
Guests at the reception were served traditional Bangladeshi culinary delicacies, including biryani made from indigenous Kalijira rice and dishes featuring the globally recognized Geographical Indication (GI) product, the Black Bengal Goat, showcasing the nation’s rich agricultural and food heritage.
