Redefine balance between national interest and international obligations: Foreign secretary

Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque has said the issue of multilateralism, which is the foundation of the international order, has come under question because of the current international politics.

“It’s because of national interest and international responsibilities. We define that after the WWII and because of the current international politics and evolving situation we need to redefine it what it means to balance between national versus international obligations and responsibilities,” he said.

The foreign secretary was speaking at a seminar organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Sunday marking the UN Day. UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo was present, among others.

Shahidul asked the young diplomats to be prepared to face the fast transformation of the world.

“There was a time when we could see the changes. Nowadays we do not see as things are going radically different.

“We have to learn the skills of jumping into the running train and jumping out. That’s the skills that we need to be effective in today’s diplomatic role,” he said.