Foreign Minister (FM) Dr Khalilur Rahman sought support for Bangladesh's candidature for the UN General Assembly presidency during bilateral meetings in London, receiving assurances from several counterparts while discussing issues of mutual interest.
Dr Khalilur Rahman, who led the Bangladesh delegation to the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM), held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event held at Lancaster House in London.
Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir accompanied the foreign minister during the engagements.
In a bilateral meeting with the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper, the two sides discussed key bilateral issues and outlined ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
The foreign minister also held formal meetings with Parliamentary Secretary of Canada Robert Oliphant, South Africa's Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes, Antigua and Barbuda's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs E. P. Chet Greene, and Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
In addition, he had several pull-aside meetings with heads of delegations attending the Commonwealth gathering.
During these meetings, while issues of mutual interest were discussed, the foreign minister also sought support for Bangladesh's candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and received assurances from his counterparts.
Diplomatic sources said Dhaka views the London meeting as an important opportunity to mobilise broader international support for Bangladesh's candidature.
Bangladesh has nominated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as its candidate for the position.
Following the withdrawal of Palestine's candidature, Bangladesh will contest the post with Cyprus.
The election of the President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly for the 2026-2027 term is scheduled to be held on June 2 at the UN Headquarters in New York.Bangladesh last held the presidency of the UN General Assembly in 1986-87 when the then foreign minister Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury served as President of the 41st session.
The foreign minister will also attend the Commonwealth Day celebration at Westminster Abbey and join a reception at St James's Palace.
The 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting brought together foreign ministers and senior representatives from 56 member states to discuss global challenges and set the agenda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled later this year.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
