DHAKA, Aug 17, 2021 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr K Abdul Momen today

sought political support from Indonesia in commencing the Rohingya
repatriation to Myanmar.

  He requested Indonesia to remain pro-active in the ASEAN platform to
convince Myanmar for creating a conducive atmosphere for a safe,
dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas.

  The foreign minister made the request while the outgoing Indonesian
ambassador to Bangladesh, Rina Prihtyasmiarsi Soemarno, paying a
farewell call on him in the capital.

  During the meeting, Dr Momen also suggested that an ASEAN led
observer team may be deployed in the Rakhine State to oversee the
repatriation process.

   The foreign minister said that since there was no major violence in
the Rakhine State in the last four years, repatriation can start under
the supervision of a neutral international body.

   The ambassador assured to remain engaged on the issue and continue
Indonesia's support for a durable solution to the crisis.

   Dr Momen also sought Indonesia's support towards Bangladesh's bid
to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of the ASEAN.

   The foreign minister said that as a natural bridge between South
and South East Asia, Bangladesh is a genuine candidate to become a
Dialogue Partner of the ASEAN.

   Terming Indonesia as an important partner of Bangladesh in the
South East Asian region, Dr Momen suggested that the multi-faceted
relations could be expanded if more people to people contacts take
place and barriers in trade and investment are removed.

   The Indonesian Ambassador agreed that Bangladesh has attained
miraculous economic progress.

   She was highly appreciative of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's
government for the recent medical supplies to Indonesia in latter's
battle against Covid-19.

   She said that the brotherly people of Indonesia would always
remember with gratefulness this nice gesture of Bangladesh.

  Noting Bangladesh's pharmaceutical products meet 97 percent of local
demands and are exported to 144 countries, the foreign minister
requested Jakarta to ease the registration process for Bangladeshi
pharmaceutical products in Indonesia.

   He noted that world class life saving drugs are available in
Bangladesh at a much cheaper price than in many advanced countries.

   The foreign minister suggested that the two countries may jointly
celebrate the golden jubilee of the diplomatic relations next year.