KL extends support for Dhaka's aspiration to join RCEP, recognises its strategic role in region

Malaysia today (22 June) expressed its support for
Bangladesh's aspiration to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP), recognising its growing economic significance and strategic role in the
region, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both leaders - Prime Minister
Tarique Rahman and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim- noted that
Bangladesh's future participation would strengthen regional economic
integration, trade, investment, and supply chains.
The Bangladeshi side expressed its appreciation
for Malaysia's support and reaffirmed its commitment to undertaking the
necessary measures towards accession to the agreement, according to a joint
statement shared by the Ministry.
The leaders exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and reiterated
their support for a just and lasting peace for the Palestinian people and
expressed support for continued dialogue and diplomatic efforts towards a
durable and comprehensive peace in the region.
They emphasised the importance of
joint efforts in addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges
such as climate change, food security, human trafficking and transnational
crime.
Both leaders emphasised the need to
address these challenges in a holistic manner.
The two leaders also acknowledged
the importance of coordinated actions within international organisations such
as the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
They also committed to jointly supporting initiatives to strengthen the world
order, justice, and compliance with international law.
Both leaders expressed concerns
over the prolonged Rohingya crisis, said the joint statement.
Malaysia commended Bangladesh's
humanitarian endeavour in hosting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas and
reaffirmed its solidarity with Bangladesh.
Malaysia reiterated its commitment
to support efforts aimed at achieving a lasting resolution of the crisis which
lies in the safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of the displaced
Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Bangladesh expressed appreciation
for Malaysia's continued support and principled advocacy on the Rohingya issue
at the bilateral, regional, and international platforms, including within
ASEAN, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations, and
other multilateral forums.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman
reiterated Bangladesh's strong desire to formalise its engagement with ASEAN by
pursuing ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner status.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
welcomed Bangladesh's interest and expressed Malaysia's readiness to
constructively support Dhaka's aspirations within the ASEAN framework.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman
expressed deep appreciation and sincere gratitude to Malaysian Prime Minister
Anwar Ibrahim and the Government of Malaysia for the
warm welcome and gracious
hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit.
















