Arakan News Agency
The European Union has reaffirmed its full support to Bangladesh for the resolution of the decades-old Rohingya crisis with Myanmar that took an appalling turn in August last year when the Burmese military began ‘ethnic cleansing’ in Rakhine State.
Over 700,000 Rohingyas have taken shelter in Bangladesh since then shooting the number to over a million with the previous exodus.
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali met EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice President (HRVP) Federica Mogherini in Brussels on Friday when she reiterated the 28-nation bloc’s support to Bangladesh.
The foreign ministry said Mogherini also expressed “deep admiration and appreciation” for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh for “generosity, patience, solidarity and humanity” in dealing with the Rohingya crisis.
She reassured that EU would remain with Bangladesh on this matter.
Mahmood Ali briefed her on bilateral engagements and arrangements made so far for the safe, dignified and sustainable return of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals.
He emphasised sustained international pressure on the Myanmar authorities, particularly on the military, to create a conducive environment for the safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their home.
They briefly discussed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) between Bangladesh and the EU for identification and return of the persons without authorisation to stay in EU member states and expressed satisfaction at the progress made so far on their implementation.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Belgium and EU Mohammed Shahadat Hossain and DG (West Europe and EU) Mohammad Khorshed Khastagir, of the foreign ministry, among others, were present in the meeting.
The foreign minister also met Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, who highly appreciated Bangladesh’s generous role in hosting a large number of displaced Rohingyas in Bangladesh, the ministry said.
Reynders was concerned at the continued human rights violation of Rohingya community in Myanmar. He also condoled the death of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in Mali.
The Belgian minister appreciated Bangladesh’s contribution to global peace and security and agreed with Ali to enhance cooperation at the multilateral forum, including UN Security Council.
Reynders emphasised enhanced collaboration between business communities and underscored the need for regular exchange of the business delegations.
Mahmood Ali agreed to the proposed wider business engagements and invited Belgian investments in such sectors as pharmaceuticals, energy, dredging, and infrastructure.
He also met with Members of European Parliament (MEPs) over a dinner earlier on Thursday at Bangladesh House and exchanged views with them.
The MEPs pledged to continue keeping the pressure on Myanmar and appreciated Bangladesh’s humanitarian approach towards the Rohingya.
The foreign minister sought their support for the implementation of arrangements made, including full implementation of Annan Commission’s report leading to the citizenship of Rohingyas.
