Dhaka: Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday engaged in a series of high-level bilateral discussions with counterparts from the United States, Russia, China, and Pakistan during the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ meeting. This initiative underscores Bangladesh’s strategic efforts to fortify diplomatic relations with pivotal international allies.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the meetings focused on mutual interests such as economic cooperation, trade, and investment, alongside addressing global issues of shared concern. Dr Khalilur leads the Bangladesh delegation to the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ meeting and the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. He was accompanied by Humaiun Kobir, the Prime Minister’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that these discussions spanned a wide array of topics, including trade, investment, energy, and connectivity, in addition to regional and international concerns. Bangladesh emphasized its ‘Bangladesh First’ policy as the guiding principle in its external relations.

In a notable meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the Bangladesh Foreign Minister, where both parties expressed a commitment to bolstering Bangladesh-US relations. Secretary Rubio congratulated Dr Khalilur on his new role as President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, while Dr Khalilur invited him to visit Bangladesh.

Dr Khalilur also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, with both sides examining ongoing cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. The Russian Foreign Minister lauded Dr Khalilur’s UNGA presidency and acknowledged the Bangladesh-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group’s establishment.

A separate meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi saw discussions on enhancing cooperative partnerships and building a China-Bangladesh Community with a shared future. Talks included Rohingya repatriation, transport corridors, investment, and energy cooperation.

Additionally, Dr Khalilur and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar exchanged greetings, emphasizing the ARF platform’s role in addressing regional and international challenges while promoting peace and development in the Asia-Pacific region.