Khalilur holds talks with US, Russia, China and Pakistan

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman yesterday held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the US, Russia, China and Pakistan on the sidelines of the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Manila, the Philippines.

During the meetings, the foreign minister exchanged views on economic cooperation, trade and investment opportunities, and matters of shared concern, according to diplomatic sources.

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Khalilur is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the 33rd ARF Foreign Ministers’ meeting and the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation of Southeast Asia. Adviser to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir is accompanying him.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the discussions covered trade, investment, energy, connectivity, regional and international issues. The delegation underlined that the “Bangladesh First” policy will guide its external relations.

In Manila, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio received Khalilur. Humaiun and US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy to South and Central Asia Sergio Gor were present. Both sides discussed enhancing Bangladesh-US relations. Secretary Rubio congratulated Khalilur on his election as president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, while the foreign minister invited him to visit Bangladesh.

Khalilur also met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation, particularly in the energy sector.