No decision yet on Kosovo recognition

Says Dipu Moni

13 May 2010, 18:00 PM

Diplomatic Correspondent

Bangladesh is yet to take any decision on the issue of recognition of an independent Kosovo, a Muslim-majority state in Europe, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said yesterday. “The status of Bangladesh on the question of recognition of Kosovo remain unchanged. Serbia went to international court on matters relating to Kosovo's independence. Bangladesh will take its decision on the recognition after the issue is settled in the court,” she said. Exchanging views with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) at the foreign ministry, Dipu Moni said establishing diplomatic relations with Israel depends on the establishment of peace in the Middle East. “Bangladesh is strongly in favour of establishing peace in the Middle East and we can review the issue of diplomatic relations with Israel only after establishment of an independent Palestine and peace in the Middle East,” the foreign minister added. Turning to her upcoming visit to Russia on May 20-21, Dipu Moni said Bangladesh will sign a framework agreement with Russia on setting up of a nuclear power plant and peaceful use of nuclear energy. During the visit, she will hold meeting with her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and discuss several other issues such as cooperation in various sectors including defence, trade, education and culture. Dipu Moni also said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to visit Russia by the end of this year or early next year and she (Dipu Moni) is going to Russia to prepare the ground for the PM's visit. About the PM's visit to South Korea and Malaysia on May 16-21, Dipu Moni said there is possibility of signing several agreements with Korea. Hasina will attend the World Islamic Economic Forum in Malaysia where she will also hold bilateral talks with her Malaysian counterpart, she added. Dipu Moni will also go to Tajikistan to attend the OIC foreign ministers' conference on May 18-20.