DHAKA, May 13, 2023 (BSS) - Foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today said Bangladesh's position as a stakeholder in the international arena has been made more firm under the changing geopolitical and geo-economic situation by hosting the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC). 

"Bangladesh partnership with countries in the Indian Ocean region and beyond has been strengthen within the context of regional politics by hosting the Indian Ocean Conference IOC 2023," he told virtually at a press briefing after the conclusion of the IOC at a city hotel.
 
During the closing session of 6th Indian Ocean Conference, foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen said Bangladesh envisions an Indian Ocean that is free, open, peaceful, secure and inclusive, promoting shared prosperity for all.

"We remain committed to working with all our regional partners towards this end," he said. 

Bangladesh considers the stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean as an essential component in achieving her 'Vision 2041' of establishing a modern and knowledge-based developed country by 2041, he said.

The Foreign Secretary said Bangladesh believes the Indian Ocean can significantly contribute to the global GDP, international trade, towards climate action, and growing technological advancements for ensuring global peace and prosperity.

He said Bangladesh stands ready to extend cooperation in the region towards a result-oriented focus that will augment achievement for the common good of the region.

The secretary 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," he said. 

 The Foreign Secretary said the world's centre of political and economic gravity is moving eastwards to Asia and Africa.

The importance of the Indian Ocean Region needs no reiteration especially for many countries whose existence, prosperity and security were, and will always be, intimately linked to it, he said.

Bangladesh puts great emphasis on enhancing physical, institutional, energy, digital and human connectivity, facilitate movement of goods, services, capital, and people in a systematic manner, and promote technology transfer and access to innovations in the region, he said.

"We would like the other countries in the region to engage and cooperate proactively in promoting food security, water solidarity, and disaster risk reduction," he said.

Cooperation among the countries to address the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, marine pollution, and other significant and harmful impacts on the environment is also critically important, he said. 
On behalf of the government, the foreign secretary expressed sincere gratitude to all the participating countries in this 6th Indian Ocean Conference-2023 in Dhaka.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the conference on Friday while the President of Mauritius and Vice President of the Maldives, among others, joined.