Bangladesh seeks active cooperation from ASEAN countries for Rohingya repatriation

Bangladesh has called upon ASEAN member countries to extend more active cooperation in ensuring the safe and dignified repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar. Dhaka has also urged the international community to play an effective role in finding a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman made the appeal at the ministerial meeting of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, on Thursday.

In his address, he said it is essential to further strengthen cooperation among member countries to address various regional and global challenges. He also highlighted Bangladesh’s role in disaster management, counter-terrorism and maintaining regional peace and stability.

The Foreign Minister called for building an effective technology governance framework under the ARF to ensure human-centric, responsible and safe use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.

He also emphasised the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with international law and existing global regulations.The 33rd ARF ministerial meeting focused on discussions among member countries on regional security, peace, counter-terrorism, technology management, climate change and other global and regional issues.