BRIEFING NOTES THE MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, , JANUARY 2020

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PRIME MINISTER SHEIKH HASINA VISITS ABU DHABI, UAE ON 12-14 JANUARY 2020

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attends the ‘Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2020’ on 13 January 2020 in Abu Dhabi, the UAE

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Hasina at the opening ceremony of the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Abu Dhabi on 12-14 January 2020 to ‘Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2020’ attend the ‘Abu Dhabi Sustainability at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Week 2020’ programme. She was Centre (ADNEC) on 13 January 2020. received Prime Minister accompanied by Foreign Minister, She witnessed the ‘Zayed Sustainability Sheikh Hasina at the opening Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Award’ giving ceremony. The Award was conferred to 10 organizations and ceremony of the ‘Abu Dhabi Overseas Employment, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, State Minister for institutions of different countries under five categories. Sheikh Hasina handed Sustainability Week 2020’ Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, over the prestigious prize to Eutan at the Abu Dhabi National Foreign Secretary, Secretary of the Tarawa Ieta Junior Secondary School of Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) Kiribati as the winner in the Global High Overseas Employment and some other on 13 January 2020. She School category. While addressing, she high officials of Bangladesh Government. witnessed the ‘Zayed briefed the guests and participants about Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh the initiatives taken by her government Sustainability Award’ giving Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al- towards achieving the Sustainable ceremony. Nahyan received Prime Minister Sheikh Development Goals (SDGs).

2 JANUARY 2020 During the visit, Prime Minister chaired an Envoys’ Conference held on 14 January 2020 and made necessary directives to the Heads of Bangladesh Missions in countries of West Asia region on how to attract more investment to Bangladesh, increase trade and strengthen the existing relations.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took part in a key note interview titled ‘The Critical Role of Women in Delivering Climate Action’ at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on 14 January 2020

Delegations of DP World of UAE, Prime Minister also took part in a key Two instruments were signed between Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), note interview titled ‘Future Sustainability Bangladesh and the UAE. The first Saudi ARAMCO, ACWA Power of KSA Summit’ at the ADNEC on 14 January 2020. one was the “Addendum to the MoU and a prominent entrepreneur of the UAE During the visit, Prime Minister chaired an signed between Emirates National Oil separately met with Prime Minister Sheikh Envoys’ Conference held on 14 January Company (ENOC) and Ministry of Hasina. She urged the DP World to invest 2020 and made necessary directives to Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, in the ship-building sector, Payra port and the Heads of Bangladesh Missions in Bangladesh” and the second one was in Bangladesh’s Special Economic Zones countries of West Asia region on how to the “Protocol of Amendment to the and also urged them to set up a hi-tech attract more investment to Bangladesh, Agreement on Allotment of land plot in park in Bangladesh. The representatives increase trade and strengthen the existing Baridhara Diplomatic Enclave, Dhaka of ENOC, Saudi ARAMCO and ACWA relations. Bangladesh Ambassadors to for Construction of Embassy Premises” Power of KSA expressed their interest in Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, signed by the Foreign Ministers of investing in power and energy sector in Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE Bangladesh and the UAE on the basis of Bangladesh. attended the Conference. the principle of reciprocity.

FOREIGN MINISTER MET WITH THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen, MP and his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan INTERNATIONAL exchange the Agreement on Allotment of land in Dhaka and in Abu Dhabi on the basis of the principle of reciprocity

COOPERATION Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen, United Arab Emirates at Abu Dhabi OF UAE IN ABU MP met with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed National Exhibition Centre on 14 January Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs 2020 while attending the ‘Abu Dhabi DHABI and International Cooperation of the Sustainability Week 2020’. Foreign

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Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Secretary which contributed to the high growth of Bangladesh at different platforms on the to Prime Minister Tofazzal Hossain the economy. He added that the poverty crisis related to the forcefully displaced Miah and some other high officials of level had been drastically reduced from Myanmar nationals living in Bangladesh Bangladesh and UAE sides were present 42% to 20% during the present tenure and called for their continued support. at the meeting. of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. UAE He urged the UAE Foreign Minister to Foreign Minister briefed his UAE Foreign Minister profusely admired the consider opening up of all the sectors counterpart about Bangladesh’s overall socio-economic development of of recruitment for Bangladesh nationals development march with a sustained Bangladesh and the advancement of the in his country. UAE Foreign Minister GDP growth of about 7% per year for a people. Sheikh Abdullah assured that they would decade highlighting the participation of Foreign Minister Dr. Momen expressed consider the proposal. women in all sectors of policy and society his gratitude to the UAE for supporting

NEW ICRC HEAD OF DELEGATION PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO FOREIGN MINISTER

Newly appointed Head of Delegation of International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) in Bangladesh Pierre Dorbes presented his credentials to Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen, MP on 15 January 2020

Newly appointed Head of Delegation of invaluable role in supporting Bangladesh environment to enable the safe, voluntary, International Committee of Red Cross nationals during the 1971 Liberation War dignified and sustainable repatriation of (ICRC) in Bangladesh Pierre Dorbes and their recent humanitarian assistance the Rohingyas. presented his credentials to Foreign for the displaced Rohingya people taking Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen, MP Mr. Dorbes thanked Foreign Minister for shelter in Bangladesh. on 15 January 2020. Foreign Minister the cooperation of his Ministry and hoped welcomed him to Bangladesh and Foreign Minister urged ICRC to work that the activities and support of ICRC to expressed deep appreciation for ICRC’s with Myanmar in creating conducive Bangladesh would be sustained in the future.

BANGLADESH PARTICIPATES IN THE HEIMTEXTIL FAIR AND THE BVMW ECONOMIC FORUM IN GERMANY

Bangladesh Embassy, Berlin in considered to be the biggest international through Time – Celebrating 50 Years of collaboration with Export Promotion trade fair for home and contract textiles. Interior Design’. The fair invited visitors Bureau (EPB), Dhaka facilitated twenty To mark the 50th edition of Heimtextil to take a tour through five decades of Bangladeshi companies to participate in this year, the fair presented design classics Heimtextil history where 2952 exhibitors the Heimtextil Fair 2020 held in Frankfurt from the past 50 fair editions in a showcase from 65 countries presented their items from 07-10 January 2020. This fair is area under the theme ‘Heimtextil Journey to 63000 visitors. It provided a great

4 JANUARY 2020 The participating Bangladesh delegation are standing in front of the Bangladesh stall at Heimtextil Fair held in Frankfurt from 7-10 January 2020 opportunity to represent Bangladeshi Ministry of Commerce and EPB attended promoting Bangladeshi products in the products to a big international trade the fair. The visitors were given useful world market. They showed keen interest community. A delegation from the information with a view to further in Bangladeshi products.

German entrepreneurs visit Bangladesh stand and interact with the Ambassador at the BVMW Economic Forum held in Berlin on 27 January 2020

Bangladesh Embassy in Berlin Cooperation of the German Bundestag Parliamentarians and entrepreneurs to participated in the Federal Association jointly organized the event in which exchange information on the business of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises around 2000 German entrepreneurs and investment opportunities in (BVMW) Economic Forum and the and 62 Embassies attended. While Bangladesh. Brochures, leaflets, flyers New Year’s Reception on 27 January participating in this event, Bangladesh etc. were distributed among the visitors at a local hotel in Berlin. The BVMW Embassy availed the opportunity to from the Bangladesh stand installed by and the Committee for Economic get in direct contact with German the Embassy.

BANGLADESH PARTICIPATES IN ASIAN FINANCIAL FORUM AND HOSTS WORKSHOP TO ATTRACT FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Bangladesh participates in the 13th (HKCEC). Salman Fazlur Rahman, MP of representatives from Bangladesh Asian Financial Forum (AFF) held the Private Industry and Investment Investment Development Authority from 13-14 January 2020 at the Hong Adviser to Prime Minister led the (BIDA), Public Private Partnership Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Bangladesh Delegation comprising Authority (PPPA) and Bangladesh

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Hi-Tech Park Authority. The three prospects for the global economy and personnel and the delegation members authorities also participated in the AFF sustainability challenges to investment from Bangladesh attended the Dinner. Deal Flow Matchmaking session. opportunities and the risks brought by A workshop titled “Investment More than 3500 distinguished speakers technology and innovation. Opportunities in Bangladesh” was held including influential global financial Bangladesh Ambassador to China at the Hong Kong Trade Development experts, policymakers, business leaders, Mahbub Uz Zamam, Consul General Council SME Centre, HKCEC on 15 economists and investors participated in of Bangladesh in Hong Kong and the January to attract foreign investment. the 13th Asian Financial Forum. Under the Commercial Counsellor of Bangladesh Investment Promotion Agencies of theme “Redefining Growth: Innovation Embassy in Beijing, China also attended Bangladesh (IPA), BIDA, PPPA, • Breakthrough • Inclusiveness”, the the Forum. Consul General hosted a Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority and forum enabled participants to examine networking Dinner on 13 January 2020 Consulate General of Bangladesh in Honk the current global economic landscape, at the HKCEC. More than 100 Foreign Kong jointly organized the workshop gauging their views through on-site and Bangladeshi Expatriate Investors, in which more than 60 businessmen, real-time polling on issues ranging from Businessmen, Professionals, Media investors and professionals participated.

BANGLADESH AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO THE KING OF BHUTAN

The King assured of his continued and all-out support to further widen and deepen bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Bhutan. He spoke of his own and the Queen’s personal respect and admiration to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and termed their relations as ‘above any professional courtesy’.

Ambassador A K M Shahidul Karim presents his credentials to the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the Tashichhodzong (King’s Secretariat) on 17 January 2020

Ambassador A K M Shahidul Karim after the ceremony was enlightening. Queen’s personal respect and admiration presented his Letter of Credence to the to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Ambassador Shahidul Karim conveyed to King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel termed their relations as ‘above any the King the deepest regards and greetings Wangchuck at the Tashichhodzong professional courtesy’. He also recalled from the President and Prime Minister of (King’s Secretariat) on 17 January 2020. his last visit to Bangladesh in 2013 and Bangladesh. He sought the King’s support The ceremony was magnificent and thanked for the hospitality extended by to further advancing the bilateral relations unique with the display of local traditions, the Government of Bangladesh during the between the two countries. religious rites and royal practices. The visit. He also shared his vision and plans warmth shown by the King by allowing The King assured of his continued and all- towards introducing a year-long National presentation of credentials immediately out support to further widen and deepen Service (Gyalsung) for the youth aged upon arrival of the Ambassador was bilateral relationship between Bangladesh 18 years and above, which will begin by exemplary and the audience that followed and Bhutan. He spoke of his own and the 2022.

6 JANUARY 2020 EMBASSY OF BANGLADESH IN JAKARTA ORGANIZES ‘MEET BANGLADESH’ PROGRAMME

Around 150 Indonesian businessmen and Government officials attended the event. Bangladesh Ambassador urged the Indonesians to visit Bangladesh and explore its potentialities.

Ambassador Major General Azmal Kabir delivered a presentation at a seminar held in Jakarta on 23 January 2020

Bangladesh Embassy in Jakarta organized Md. Harunur Rashid, Executive Member sectors and fiscal incentives of investment a seminar titled ”Meet Bangladesh” on of Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority in Indonesia. This interactive session 23 January 2020 at a local hotel in order (BEZA) delivered presentations on the was followed by the presentations of to portray the image of Bangladesh and investment opportunities in EPZs and some Indonesian Business companies - to explore the investment potentials. Special Economic Zones respectively. PT Istana Karang Laut (supplier of coal Ambassador Major General Azmal Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Director for to Bangladesh), PT lNKA (exporter of Kabir delivered a presentation on the Bilateral Negotiations, Ministry of Trade Broad Gauge and Meter Gauge Carriages development of Bangladesh under the of Indonesia discussed on the Indonesia for Bangladesh Railway) and CV Laksana worthy leadership of Prime Minister Bangladesh Preferential Trade Agreement (Exporter of Bus to Bangladesh). Sheikh Hasina with mentioning some of (IB-PTA) while Wisnu Wijaya Soedibjo, Around 150 Indonesian businessmen the potential sectors for investment. Major Deputy Chairman for Investment and Government officials attended the General S M Salauddin Islam, Executive Cooperation, Indonesia Investment event. Bangladesh Ambassador urged Chairman of Bangladesh Export Coordinating Board (BKPM) discussed the Indonesians to visit Bangladesh and Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA) and on the Investment opportunities, priority explore its potentialities.

JUSTICE MOHAMMAD ABDUR RASHID BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE PERMANENT COURT OF ARBITRATION

Justice Mohammad Abdur Rashid, a with effect from 27 January 2020 in promoting world peace through extensive former judge of the High Court Division accordance with the relevant provision engagements with the legal institutions of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and of the 1907 Convention for the Pacific in The Hague and beyond. This is the a former Chairman of Bangladesh Law Settlement of International Disputes. court from where arbitration decision Commission, became a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration based The appointment reflects the continued on maritime boundary dispute between in The Hague for the next 6 six years engagement of Bangladesh for Bangladesh and India was awarded.

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BANGLADESH NATIONAL TEAM TOURS PAKISTAN

Bangladesh National Cricket Team President of Bangladesh Cricket Board during the on-site security supervision. visited Pakistan for a series of 3 Nazmul Hasan Papon, MP and senior The High Commission also secured International T20 matches held on 24, 25 officials of BCB as well as the security the landing clearance for the chartered and 27 January 2020 in Lahore. Pakistan officials from Bangladesh. Bangladesh flights carrying the players and officials. won the first two matches, while the High Commission in Islamabad assisted It was the first tour of Bangladesh third one was washed out by rains. The the Bangladesh security team during National Cricket Team to Pakistan in Bangladesh team was accompanied by pre-match security assessment and 12 years.

BANGLADESH MISSIONS ABROAD CELEBRATE THE HOMECOMING DAY OF BANGABANDHU AND START THE COUNTDOWN FOR THE INAUGURATION OF ‘MUJIB BORSHO’

Bangladesh Missions abroad celebrated of their souls as well as for the continued Mujibur Rahman and the significance the historic Homecoming Day of the peace, progress and prosperity of of his Homecoming Day. The speakers Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Bangladesh. Messages from the President, paid their deep homage to the memory of Mujibur Rahman on 10 January 2020 with Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and the Father of the Nation and recalled his due reverence and in a befitting manner State Minister for Foreign Affairs were dedication for the country and his vision and also started the countdown for the read out. Video documentaries were for establishing ‘Sonar Bangla’ (The inauguration of ‘Mujib Borsho’. screened. Some Missions installed digital Golden Bengal). They also expressed clock on their official website to begin The events of the day began with placing hope that through the celebration of of floral wreaths at the portrait of the the countdown. Live telecast of the ‘Mujib Borsho’ the young generation Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh countdown programme of ‘Mujib Borsho’ would get the unique opportunity to Mujibur Rahman. One minute silence inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh know about Bangabandhu and would be was observed in memory of the Father of Hasina at the old Airport, Tejgaon was the Nation, the martyred members of his screened in some Missions. inspired to work for the development of family and all martyred freedom fighters Special programmes were arranged to the country. A gallery of photographs of of the Liberation War of 1971. A special discuss the life and works of the Father different Missions celebrating the event is prayer was offered seeking eternal peace of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh as follows:

Ambassador inaugurates the countdown of ‘Mujib Borsho’ held in Bangladesh High Commissioner pays tribute to Bangabandhu in Bangladesh High Embassy, Berlin Commission, Islamabad

8 JANUARY 2020 Ambassador attends the discussion on the Homecoming Day of Bangabandhu Lord Mayor of Port Louis and High Commissioner inaugurate the countdown in held in Bangladesh Embassy, Moscow Bangladesh High Commission, Port Louis

Participants join a discussion on the Homecoming Day of Bangabandhu held in Participants join a discussion on the Homecoming Day of Bangabandhu held in Bangladesh Embassy, Seoul Bangladesh Embassy, The Hague

Chief Patron : Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, MP, Foreign Minister Patron : Md. Shahriar Alam, MP, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Editorial Adviser : Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary Editor : Samia Halim, Director General, External Publicity Wing Published by : External Publicity Wing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka, Bangladesh Contact : Phone:+880-2-9562952, Fax: +880-2-9562163; E-mail: [email protected]

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