The United States endorsed Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific stance with a call to work together in the region at the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) concluded Saturday in Dhaka with the participation of 40 countries.
The conference reiterated Bangladesh’s geographical and geo-political “importance” in the region with the Unites States’ endorsement to the country’s Indo-Pacific Outlook.
Assistant secretary of the US Deputy State Department Afreen Akhtar said that the US absolutely welcomes the Indo Pacific Outlook announced by Bangladesh.
“And when Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was in Washington recently for the Partnership Dialogue with the United States, Undersecretary Nuland reiterated that message”.
“We see strong alignment across a whole host of friends. There was reference to support for rules based order in the Indo Pacific, also reference to supporting connectivity and infrastructure. So we think that there's strong alignment and we really supported and look forward to helping Bangladesh implement its vision” she added.
“The United States Indo Pacific strategy makes clear that our vision for a shared cost of our positive vision for sure we cannot be achieved without working in partnership with all of the countries here to build collective capacity”.
“Bangladesh lays at the center of the Indian Ocean. So we’ll play critical role for the peace, security, cooperation and progress of the region,” Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen said at a press briefing after the closing of the two-day event.
State Minister for foreign affairs Md. Shahriar Alam said 40 countries represented in the conference. All highlighted their position on regional and global issues.
He said Bangladesh’s partnership has been established in all aspects from regional connectivity to technology transfer to climate change and blue economy. Even Iran sent their representatives. China was also represented with their diplomats in Dhaka.
“We want to walk together with the countries in the region by resolving the issues through discussion and joint efforts,” he said, laying emphasis on sharing good practices among partner countries as Bangladesh seeks cooperation in the region.
He said Rohingya issue was also discussed in the conference as some speakers said that the regional countries should come forward more proactively to resolve Rohingya crisis.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said that Bangladesh’s image was brightened in the international arena through hosting this conference.
“We are located in between South Asia and Southeast Asia. All participating countries spoke about the importance of Bangladesh.”
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday suggested six priority areas where the Indian Ocean Region should focus on - maritime diplomacy; combating climate change and natural disasters; strengthening partnerships; strengthening mechanisms for maritime safety and security; promoting a culture of peace; and promoting equitable and sustainable development.
“In line with these, we may build on our cooperation and collaboration among the Indian Ocean countries to ensure a better future for us”.
US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said the United States is committed to elevating its engagement in the Indian Ocean region.
“The future of the world will be determined in large part by what happens here. The Indian Ocean region is home to 2.7 billion people—more than a third of the world’s population—and with an average age of 30 years, that percentage will only grow,” she said.
“It is difficult to overstate the economic significance of this region. The Indian Ocean accounts for one-fifth of the world’s ocean surface, and it connects people and economies around the globe. Its vast coastline includes some of the world’s most important shipping lanes—from the Strait of Hormuz to the Malacca Strait. Eighty percent of the world’s maritime oil shipments traverse Indian Ocean waters. Some of the planet’s most vital fisheries are here, and they play a critical role in employing people in the region and feeding people around the world.
“So it makes sense that all of us have an interest in a peaceful and prosperous future for the Indian Ocean region. We share the vision embedded in this year’s conference theme… Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership for a Resilient Future. As President Biden has said, the United States is “committed for the long haul, ready to champion our vision for a positive future for the region together with friends and partners,” she said.
This was the 6th episode of the Indian Ocean Conference jointly organised by the governments of Bangladesh and India and the think-tank India Foundation.
The participants that include top government officials, diplomats, academicians and civil society members felt that understanding among the members are crucial to enhance regional cooperation leading to increased economic growth.
Addressing the press briefing, Foreign Minister Dr. Momen said Bangladesh is committed to foster cooperation in trade, security through partnership to ensure peace and prosperity.
Addressing a session BIMSTEC Secretary General Tenzin Lekhpell said discussions are going on for reaching an agreement on FTA.
“Our foreign secretaries are specifically discussing on this free trade FTA the trade agreement in the seven countries. That this is something that BIMSTEC countries was founded on and it is a core sector for BIMSTEC. And that now we need to take it forward” he added.
“The member states have tried to come together and negotiate but I understand that the trade involves a lot of negotiations” he said.
He however said that BIMSTEC is now trying to discuss with the member states on some other trade areas such as trade facilitation, customs, and things like that, instead of going for the FTA.
Secretary General of SAARC, Esala Weerakoon underscored the need for facilitating technology transfer, capacity building, and information access.
“It is imperative that we get you attention to the threats posed by climate change and the degrading environment and work in tandem to ensure responsible growth and sustainable development while living in harmony with nature” the SAARC secretary general said.
The time is now ripe for all of us to focus on attaining sustainable peace and prosperity across the region, he added.
He said more secure, open, inclusive and prosperous Indian Ocean region would greatly contribute towards fostering peace, stability and development in the region and beyond.
The 7th episode of the IOC will be held in Australia next year.
