PM holds talks with Iranian President in New York

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York on Wednesday (September 23) on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, with discussions focusing on the impact of the regional conflict on Bangladesh.

The meeting, held at the Hyatt Grand Central Hotel in Manhattan, covered the safety of Bangladeshi expatriate workers, remittances, maritime transport and energy security, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir said in a briefing after the meeting.

Kabir said Bangladesh expressed concern over the situation facing nearly 8 million Bangladeshi workers in West Asia, warning that a prolonged conflict could affect their safety and remittance inflows.

Bangladesh also raised the issue of several Bangladeshi container vessels stranded amid the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and sought Iran’s cooperation in ensuring their safe return once the situation improves.

Dhaka also called for an early end to the conflict through diplomatic means.

The state minister said Bangladesh was also concerned that the regional crisis could disrupt energy supplies and push the country towards an energy shortage.

Pezeshkian listened to the concerns and his officials took note of the issues raised, he said.

Kabir said Bangladesh views the United Nations as a neutral platform and wants to play a constructive diplomatic role in promoting peace and stability, while keeping its national interests at the centre of its engagement.

The meeting was attended by Kabir, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN Irene Khan and Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin.