Trump and Tarique May Meet on UNGA Sidelines

Bangla Press Desk: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir says there is a possibility of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman meeting US President Donald Trump during the UN General Assembly session.

He said, "The prime minister will go to the UN with a message of progress for the new Bangladesh. There is a possibility of a meeting with US President Donald Trump there."

He made the remark during a discussion with leaders of the Electronic Media Journalists Association, an organisation of television journalists working in the district, at Hotel Star Pacific in Sylhet city around 10:30am on Saturday.

Previously, there had been allegations that journalists were harassed while they were covering Humaiun's speech at the Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) Shrine after Friday prayers. Television journalists announced a boycott of all BNP events and programmes in protest of the incident.

Later, State Minister Humaiun answered various questions from journalists at a discussion and exchange of views on the issue, reports bdnews24.com.

In response to a question about buying Boeing aircraft from the US, the state minister said: "No one is forcing us to buy Boeing. Boeing is being bought from America because there is demand. More will be bought if necessary."

Regarding a potential visit by the prime minister to India, Humaiun said that the date and time of such a visit have not yet been finalised, but discussions are under way. However, there is no possibility of the prime minister visiting India before the UN General Assembly session, he added.

Asked about relations between India and Bangladesh, the state minister said: "Relations between the two countries must be taken forward on the basis of mutual respect, involvement and national interests. The rights and freedoms of the people of Bangladesh are also important in this relationship. India needs to have an effective relationship with Bangladesh.

"At the same time, India must understand the national interests and expectations of the people of Bangladesh. Indian policymakers have started to understand the issue. [The prime minister] has met the Indian high commissioner in Bangladesh twice. It is possible to take relations between the two countries to a more positive level through mutual respect and discussions."

Regarding relations with Russia, he said: “Bangladesh has strong relations with the United States, China, Saudi Arabia and various countries in the Middle East. In addition, an effective working relationship is also being developed with Russia.

“From the first day of taking office, the new government has been working on a foreign policy framework in which Bangladesh’s relations with important world powers is in balance. In addition to Washington, Beijing, Saudi Arabia and Middle Eastern countries, relations with Russia are also being prioritised.”

The state minister for foreign affairs believes that Bangladesh’s visibility and strategic importance in the international arena have increased due to the government’s electoral legitimacy and public support.

Humaiun believes that Bangladesh’s strategic relations with the United States in particular are creating positive prospects for the country’s future.

Regarding the government’s foreign policy plans, he said: “In line with the changing global situation, there must be scope for coordination, restructuring and strategic change in foreign policy as needed. Along with foreign relations, economic and security cooperation should also be seen as part of the same framework.

“Foreign, economic, information and security cooperation are interrelated. Therefore, there is no room for viewing them in isolation. Bangladesh’s foreign policy framework must be integrated and complementary.”

Regarding Bangladesh’s joining the Makkah Agreement, the state minister said: “Negotiations are ongoing regarding the Makkah Agreement. It is not unusual for Bangladesh to join it. Many countries are now in multiple defence alliances. We will go wherever we need to go based on national interests.”

On the matter of manpower exports to Malaysia, he said expatriate workers had been negatively affected due to syndicates being formed during the Awami League government. The current government has broken up this syndicate and more workers will travel to the country in stages, he said.

Regarding regional cooperation, Humaiun said: “Efforts are being made to strengthen cooperation with various countries, including Bhutan, Bahrain and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh is also working on ensuring that regional countries can take a coordinated stance in various international forums for common interests.”