Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday sought Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh to become a sectoral dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“We congratulate Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. We discussed the issue of Bangladesh’s inclusion as a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN. We look forward to Malaysia’s active role for Bangladesh’s inclusion in the regional forum,” he said at a joint press briefing with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after a bilateral meeting at Hotel InterContinental, reports BSS.
Recalling the existing friendly relations between the two countries, Prof Yunus said Malaysia is a long time friend of Bangladesh.
He said the Anwar Ibrahim’s tour is important as is the first visit of the prime minister of any country to Bangladesh after the interim government assured the office two months back. This visit acknowledges the Malaysia’s support to the interim government, he added.
About the bilateral talks between the two leaders, he said both of them committed to revitalize longstanding bilateral issues.
The chief adviser said the talks focused on the unprecedented mass movement, the second revolution of Bangladesh.
Noting that the students scarified their lives for their freedom and building a discrimination-free new Bangladesh, he said the interim government is committed to building an inclusive and just Bangladesh.
“To fulfill the aspirations of the mass people, we appreciate the unwavering support and cooperation of our brotherly country, Malaysia,” he added.
Mentioning that bilateral relations flourish shared values, trust and appreciation of people’s interest, Prof Yunus said they discussed the areas of cooperation, trade and investment, and culture during their talks.
He said they also discussed the safe repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Bangladesh to Myanmar.
The chief adviser said he requested the Malaysian Prime Minister to pursue the Rohingya issue at ASEAN forum to resolve the long-pending issue.
“We acknowledge the regular bilateral meeting at the foreign adviser and foreign secretary levels,” he said.
Mentioning about the fourth joint commission meeting to be held in Dhaka next, he stressed the need for signing a free trade agreement between the two counties.
He said they also discussed exploring the possibility of cooperation in agriculture, energy, connectivity, blue economy, science, innovation and defense and also increasing the number of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia.
“We express our firm commitment and determination to work closely to elevate our bilateral relations to a new height,” Prof Yunus said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived in the city this afternoon on an official visit at the invitation of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
On his arrival around 2:00 PM, the Malaysian PM was received by the Chief Adviser at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) where he was given a guard of honour.
Bd pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
