FM seeks Singapore's support for ASEAN, RCEP aspirations

Foreign Minister seeks Singapore's support for ASEAN, RCEP aspirations

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has sought Singapore's support for Bangladesh's aspiration to become a 'Sectoral Dialogue Partner' of ASEAN and its efforts to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He also sought the country's cooperation in achieving a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.

This was stated in a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, which said the minister made the call during a bilateral meeting with Singapore's Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila.

During the talks, the two foreign ministers discussed ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation. They agreed to transform the existing excellent diplomatic and strong personal ties between Bangladesh and Singapore into mutually beneficial steps.

Dr Rahman specifically sought Singapore's support for Bangladesh's aspiration to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and to join the RCEP, one of the world's largest free trade agreements.

He also sought Singapore's cooperation in efforts to find a sustainable solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis.

Both sides agreed to further enhance mutual support in trade and investment, transfer of skilled manpower and multilateral organisations. They also agreed to continue the ongoing process of signing a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Singapore.

During the meeting, Balakrishnan congratulated Dr Rahman on his election as President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Dr Rahman assured his Singaporean counterpart that during his tenure as UNGA President, the concerns and interests of small states like Singapore would be at the top of his priority list.

The Singaporean foreign minister acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Bangladeshi expatriate community to his country's economic development and welcomed the inflow of skilled manpower from Bangladesh to the city-state.