Dhaka and Berlin are expected to sign a joint declaration on fighting terrorism and violent extremism at the summit meeting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Munich on Saturday.
The PM, who is scheduled to fly off to Germany tonight to attend the Munich Security Conference (MSC), will discuss with Merkel a host of bilateral, regional and international issues.
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali yesterday said the PM and the German chancellor, on the sidelines of the 53rd MSC, would exchange views on development cooperation, trade and investment, mutual cooperation to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, reduction of climate change risk, refugee and migration crisis in Europe, global terrorism and violent extremism.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss the sudden rise of extreme nationalism and right-wing political forces throughout Europe and post-Brexit issues.
“A joint declaration on fighting terrorism and violent extremism is expected to be signed in presence of the prime minister and the German chancellor to facilitate regular holding of diplomatic dialogues,” the minister said at a press conference at the foreign ministry.
Germany and Bangladesh have a very deep and friendly relationship. Germany is the one of the first European countries that recognised Bangladesh immediately after its independence, he added.
“Germany is one of the top development partners of Bangladesh and it is also the second largest destination of Bangladesh’s exports,” said Mahmood.
Responding to a question from a journalist, the minister said during the meeting with the German chancellor Bangladesh will raise the issue of Rohingya Muslims who fled Myanmar in the face of persecution and ethnic cleansing.
Hasina will lead a high-profile delegation which would be comprised of the foreign minister, high officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and ministries of foreign, forest and environment and home affairs.
About the security conference, the minister said this is the first time Bangladesh has been invited to the event considering its growing role in the international arena and significant contribution to world peace.
Mahmood said heads of state and government, including those from Poland, Finland, Norway and Turkey, will attend the conference slated for February 17-19.
The Bangladesh PM will take part in discussions on several issues, including climate change and security.
According to the organisers of the MSC, more than 30 presidents and prime ministers from around the world would join the programme.
Hasina will leave Dhaka at 9:45pm today by a commercial flight of Etihad Airways and return home on February 19.
