EU stands in ‘solidarity’ with Bangladesh on Rohingya issue, says a diplomat

The European Union stands in “solidarity” with Bangladesh on the Rohingya refugee crisis, a visiting diplomat has said.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 19 July 2018, 04:06 PM
Updated : 19 July 2018, 06:12 PM

“We support every effort the government has made to address the plight of this Rohingya people,” Gunnar Wiegand, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific, EU External Action Service, said on Thursday.

They also support Bangladesh’s effort with Myanmar for “safe, dignified and voluntary return” of Rohingyas to northern Rakhine state, he said while briefing reporters after the third EU-Bangladesh diplomatic consultations  in Dhaka.

Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque led the Bangladesh side.

The foreign ministry said the meeting covered a wide range of issues of common interest.

The agenda included political developments on both sides: Brexit, trade and investment - including Everything But Arms, Strategy for Post-LDC Bangladesh relations with the EU.

Matters of regional and global interest where the EU and Bangladesh can intensify collaboration were also discussed, such as Rohingya crisis, connectivity, migration, peace and security, terrorism, Agenda 2030.

The EU briefed the Bangladesh officials on political developments in Europe, including Brexit negotiations.

Bangladesh briefed the grouping on political developments, including the upcoming general elections to be held at the end of 2018.

The EU congratulated Bangladesh for being on course to graduate to middle income country status. Bangladesh requested continued support from the EU for a smooth transition and sustained graduation.

Both sides recognised that the nature of the development relationship will evolve as Bangladesh moves towards a middle-income country.

They affirmed their strong commitment to the implementation of the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

They also agreed to encourage a transition to a broader relationship between Bangladesh and the EU, underpinned by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The EU agreed to organise, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNDP, a Conference on SDGs implementation in early 2019.

The foreign ministry said the EU appreciated the fact that despite severe space and resource constraints Bangladesh is bearing a significant burden by hosting more than a million persecuted Rohingya from Myanmar.

The EU commended Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her humanitarian response towards the Rohingya.

It noted the “Arrangement” with Myanmar on Nov 23 and subsequent bilateral arrangements made with Myanmar for return of the forcibly displaced Rohingya are important first steps and stressed the need for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return, with international oversight.

Bangladesh expressed deep appreciation for the EU’s strong international support, including at the UN and other international/UN fora and significant humanitarian assistance in that context.

Both sides agreed that sustained international pressure upon the Myanmar authorities is needed.

They agreed to continue to work closely with the international community, particularly at the UN and other international fora, with a view to create conducive environment in the northern Rakhine State so that the Rohingya can return in safety and security to their ancestral homes in Myanmar.

Bangladesh appreciated sustained commitment from the EU to continue to provide tariff-free market access for Bangladeshi goods to the EU market, under the Everything But Arms (EBA) regime.

Both sides looked forward to strengthening the trade and investment relationship in the future.

The EU and Bangladesh expressed satisfaction at the current state of implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding the return of irregular migrants with no right to stay in the EU, including consecutive Joint Working Group Meetings, respectively, held in Brussels (December 2017) and Dhaka (April 2018).

Bangladesh appreciated the EU for supporting projects on awareness raising campaign against irregular migration and reintegration of returnees upon return.

Replying to a question, the EU diplomat said they are looking forward to see a “free, fair, credible and transparent” election in Bangladesh.