DHAKA, July 19, 2022 (BSS) - ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi has
assured of extending his support and necessary coordination with the member
states, particularly vis-a-vis Bangladesh's candidacy for ASEAN Sectoral
Dialogue Partnership status.
 
The ASEAN secretary-general came up with the assurance as Bangladesh Foreign
Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen paid a call on him at the ASEAN Secretariat in
Jakarta on Monday, said an official handout here today.
 
Hoi welcomed Bangladesh's initiatives for a more institutional engagement
with the ASEAN.
 
Apprising the ASEAN secretary general of the various sectoral initiatives
undertaken by Bangladesh, Dr Momen requested Hoi to expedite a decision in
the upcoming meeting of the ASEAN.
 
He also shared the concerns of Bangladesh on the inordinate delay regarding
the repatriation of the stranded Myanmar citizens (Rohingyas) sheltered in
Bangladesh temporarily.
 
The foreign minister sought proactive support of ASEAN for kick-starting the
repatriation without any further delay.
 
Giving a brief overview of Bangladesh-ASEAN economic cooperation, Dr Momen
urged for a more expanded economic collaboration between Bangladesh and the
South East Asian region.
 
The Foreign Minister extended an invitation to the ASEAN secretary general
for a visit to Bangladesh.