DHAKA: Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, MP called upon the member and observer countries of CICA (Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia) for working together for achieving peace, security and stability in Asia through sustainable development, tackling climate change, counter-terrorism, and eliminating weapons of mass destruction. 

He was delivering a statement today at the 4th Summit of CICA as a full member of the Organization for the first time in Shanghai on Wednesday. 

On Tuesday, Bangladesh was admitted into the CICA as a full member after signing of accession instruments by the Foreign Minister in Shanghai. 

The Government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to join this forum considering its importance. Established in 1999, CICA is an inter-governmental forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia. 

The focus of the organisation is on confidence building measures (CBM) including new threats and challenges, economic dimension, environmental dimension and human dimension.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister highlighted in his statement Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ‘People’s Empowerment and Development’ model which was unanimously adopted as a resolution in the 67th UNGA in 2012. This manifests the commitment of Bangladesh in promoting international peace and development.

Foreign Minister of Bangladesh hoped that the People’s Republic of China would add dynamism into the activities of the CICA to a newer height with the theme of the Summit titled “Enhancing dialogue, trust and coordination for a New Asia of peace, stability and cooperation”. As the Chair of CICA, China would make efforts promoting cooperative security architecture in Asia through a vision of shared security, common development and prosperity, he stated.

In the sidelines of the CICA Summit, Bangladesh Foreign Minister also had bilateral meetings with Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. 

During these meetings issues of mutual interests between Bangladesh and all of these countries were discussed. Foreign Minister of China expressed his keen interests to expand bilateral relations with Bangladesh, particularly in the area of trade and investment. 

Bangladesh Foreign Minister also highlighted the historical and cultural bonds between the two countries and sought support for different development initiatives. 

Bangladesh Foreign Minister congratulated China to become Chair of CICA and also expressed appreciation for the Chinese support to Bangladesh becoming CICA member.

BDST: 2045 HRS, MAY 21, 2014