Staff Reporter
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir yesterday sought Sweden’s support to maintain international attention on the Rohingya crisis and help secure a durable solution through their safe and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.
He sought the support when Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said a ministry press release.
Kobir also sought Sweden’s continued support for the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of the displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar, stressing the need to keep the crisis on the international agenda.
Weeks appreciated Bangladesh’s continued humanitarian support for the Rohingyas and reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to working closely with Bangladesh in relevant multilateral forums to advance their repatriation.
During the meeting, Kobir described Sweden as a trusted and longstanding partner and appreciated its support for Bangladesh’s socio-economic development, democratic transition and institutional strengthening.
The discussions covered development assistance, trade and investment, migration governance and climate change.
Noting the potential for expanding economic engagement, the state minister encouraged greater Swedish investment in renewable energy, green technology, pharmaceuticals, engineering and telecommunications.
The two sides also exchanged views on Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category and future trade arrangements with the European Union.
Kobir appreciated Sweden’s co-hosting, with Bangladesh, of a high-level event on integrating midwifery into primary healthcare on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly last month.
On migration, the two sides discussed promoting safe, orderly and regular migration through enhanced cooperation in skilled migration and vocational training.
Weeks congratulated Kobir on his assumption of office and expressed Sweden’s readiness to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The ambassador also appreciated Bangladesh’s efforts towards democratic reforms.
Both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation in international forums.
