FM attends Commonwealth foreign ministers' meeting in London

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is taking part in the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London, where top diplomats from 56 member nations are discussing global challenges and finalising plans for the upcoming Commonwealth summit.

The meeting convened on Sunday at Lancaster House, bringing together foreign ministers and senior officials to deliberate on pressing international issues and the future direction of the 56-nation bloc.

According to a press release from the Bangladesh High Commission in London, Dr Khalilur Rahman is leading the Bangladesh delegation, which also includes Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir and other officials.

Discussions at the meeting focused on the erosion of the rules-based international order and growing challenges facing global institutions and norms.

Ministers also explored ways to strengthen Commonwealth cooperation to unlock opportunities for shared prosperity among member states and addressed emerging global challenges.

The meeting set the agenda and policy priorities for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for November 1-4 in Antigua and Barbuda.

On the sidelines, the Bangladesh delegation is expected to hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and senior officials from participating countries.

Diplomatic sources indicate Dhaka views the London meeting as a key opportunity to gather support for Bangladesh's candidature for the Presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly session for 2026-2027.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is Bangladesh's candidate for the position. Following Palestine's withdrawal, Bangladesh will contest the post against Cyprus.

The UNGA President election is set for June 2 at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Bangladesh last held the UN General Assembly presidency in 1986-87, when former Foreign Minister Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury presided over the 41st session.

The Commonwealth foreign ministers' meeting also marked the start of Commonwealth Day activities, celebrated annually across the 56-member organisation today, the second Monday of March.

The Bangladesh delegation is scheduled to return home on March 12.