Economic diplomacy would be our major focus: Hassan

Newly appointed Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said economic diplomacy would be the major focus of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s new government while Dhaka would continue to work with countries both in eastern and western hemispheres.

Hasan Mahmud came up with this remark in his maiden interaction with the mainstream media after assuming charge of his new portfolio.

He said, "I will lay emphasis on economic diplomacy as my major focus"

The foreign minister said, "Dhaka was particularly keen to explore expanded economic ties with African and South American nations as part of the economic diplomacy. Maintaining relations with countries in the East and Western hemispheres appeared as a major challenge against the backdrop of growing global polarization."

The minister said the new government was not feeling any external pressure as countries in both East and Western nations by now showed their interest to work with Dhaka.

He said the elections were free and fair and envoys of the US, UK and all other countries have congratulated the new government and expressed their willingness to work with Dhaka.