Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday sought Sri Lanka’s support in resolving the Rohingya crisis with Myanmar.
He made the appeal when he called on visiting Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who arrived in Dhaka on Friday for a two-day visit to attend the birth centenary celebration of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of independence of Bangladesh.
After arrival, the prime minister tweeted: “I look forward to engaging with PM Sheikh Hasina and the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen the bilateral relationship to mutually benefit both [of] our nations”.
He also delivered a speech at the National Parade Ground when the main events of the 10-day celebrations from March 17 to March 26 are going on.
The foreign minister said he conveyed the visiting prime minister that “Myanmar is our friendly country. But they did not take back any Rohingyas despite their promise.”
“He (Rajapaksa) said definitely we (Sri Lanka) will discuss and we are with you (Bangladesh). It (Rohingya) is a serious issue,” Dr Momen told journalists after the meeting.
He also sought Sri Lanka’s cooperation to be a member of the UN human rights council. Sri Lanka is a current member of the rights body.
Dr Momen also thanked him for being in Bangladesh amid the pandemic.
“Besides, we have discussed bilateral relations. There have been many deals that we have signed before, but were not implemented yet. Details will be discussed tomorrow (Saturday) at the bilateral meeting,” he said.
The bilateral meeting will be held with his counterpart Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
