Describing the current moment as a significant progress in the collaborative relationship between India and Italy,Italian Ambassador to India, Vincenzo De Luca said on Thursday that the two countries are set to engage in more comprehensive cooperation in strategic and sensitive sectors. The occasion was marked by the Italian Navy's recently commissioned ship, the Francesco Morosini patrol vessel, currently docked in Mumbai harbor as part of its maiden voyage after it started its first sail in April this year. The Italian envoy along with the ship commander Giovanni Monno held a press conference in Mumbai, where they emphasised enhancing India-Italy ties.   Addressing a press conference, the Italian envoy said, “This is a great honour and pleasure. This is one of the flagships of the Italian Navy. In this period, there has been enhancement in the relationship between Italy and India”. “In March this year, a bilateral summit was held between the two Prime Ministers — Narendra Modi and Georgia Miloni — for the first time we elevated our diplomatic partnership to the strategic level,” he added. Luca further said that under the strategic partnership,  India and Italy  will cooperate more closely in the strategic and sensitive sectors “Strategic partnership means that India and Italy will cooperate more closely in the strategic and sensitive sectors, from defence to cyber to space, advanced technology, emerging technology. This is really a leap forward in the partnership between the two countries. Today, is the celebration of this partnership by the visit of Francesco Morosini petrol vessel to India,” he said.   The Italian envoy added that they are looking forward to cooperating on the ‘Make in India’ mission in different sectors, and added that discussions will take place in near future. “We are looking to co-operate in ‘Make in India’ mission of India specially in torpedo, Helicopters, Electronic warfare, sectors. Soon, MoUs in defence sectors will be signed by the two Defence ministers,” Luca said. He added, “We will not discuss these strategic partnerships on the sidelines of G20, as there is no opportunity for Defence Ministers, but we will do this in the near future”. Notably, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni was on her maiden visit to India in March this year. Both leaders underscored their firm commitment to democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law as key values in promoting peace, stability and development. They welcomed the high degree of convergence in the political, economic and strategic interests of the two countries that provides an enduring basis for a long-term relationship.  Source: ANI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met the UK's Minister of State for Security Tom Tugendhat and discussed ways to make India-UK partnership more contemporary and productive.  While taking to his Twitter handle, EAM Jaishankar said, Good to meet UK Minister of State @TomTugendhat this afternoon. Discussed how India and the United Kingdom could make their partnership more contemporary and productive. The current global scenario offers many opportunities to develop our ties."    He further added that the present global scenario offers multiple opportunities to develop India-UK ties.  Earlier this year, Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami, and UK's Minister of State for Security Tom Tugendhat held discussions on bilateral and wider security cooperation between India, and the UK on March 23.  India and UK share a good relationship. Recently, both the country signed the Young Professional Scheme where Vikram K Doraiswami was also present. The UK supports India’s proposal for permanent membership of the UNSC and is also an important interlocutor for India in the EU, G8, G20 and global contexts. Moreover, the Parliaments of India and the UK enjoy traditionally close relations, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Source:ANI

Indian Naval Ships INS Rana and INS Sumedha undertook a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Navy ship FS Surcouf in the Bay of Bengal on Friday. INS Rana is a guided missile destroyer and INS Sumedha is an indigenously built offshore patrol vessel that took part in the exercise. The French Navy's La Fayette class frigate Surcouf visited Visakhapatnam from June 26-29 and participated in a variety of activities with Indian Navy ships, which included professional and social interactions, sports fixtures and cross-deck visits, the Ministry of Defence said in an official release. Before leaving Visakhapatnam, the Indian naval vessels -- Rana and Sumedha -- participated in a number of exercises with the FS Surcouf, which included tactical manoeuvres, replenishment at sea (RAS) approaches, air defence against fighter aircraft and cross-deck helicopter operations. A customary farewell steam past between the ships reaffirmed the close friendship between the two fleets, marking the end of the MPX. The visit of FS Surcouf to India signifies the strong navy-to-navy links, interoperability and strong bonds between Indian Navy and French Navy, the press release by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) read. Earlier this year, FS La Fayette, a frigate and FS Dixmude, a Mistral-class amphibious assault class ship had participated in an MPX with INS Sahyadri, a guided missile frigate from March 10 to 11.

Under the new "Atlantic Declaration," the US and the UK will work to boost supply chains and investment, the two leaders said, as they boasted the strength of their ties. US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met in the White House on Thursday for wide-ranging talks. The two leaders have had four face-to-face meetings since Sunak became prime minister in October, but Thursday's talks mark his first White House visit as British premier.  The pair sought to demonstrate that the relations between their two countries were as strong as ever, even after recent political and economic turmoil in London, with Sunak being the third British prime minister that Biden has dealt with since he took office in 2021.  What was on the agenda? Biden and Sunak discussed economic partnership, artificial intelligence safety, Northern Ireland and joint economic and security interests. The US president said they also discussed their "unwavering support" for the people of Ukraine in their fight against the Russian invasion.  "The UK and the US together with more than 50 partners have committed historic levels of security assistance to Ukraine," Biden said after the talks. London and Washington are two of the biggest donors to Ukraine, and they play a central role in a long-term, recently announced effort to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. After their meeting, the two leaders held a joint conference — an opportunity not always granted to world leaders visiting the White House.  What is the Atlantic Declaration?  Biden and Sunak adopted the so-called Atlantic Declaration, which is aimed at boosting industry ties on defense and renewable energy, in the face of growing competition from China. "We face new challenges to international stability — from authoritarian states such as Russia and the People's Republic of China; disruptive technologies; non-state actors; and transnational challenges like climate change," the declaration read. Under the plan, the two countries will work to strengthen their supply chains and invest in one another's industries. Asked if the declaration constitutes a "failure" to strike a long-sought free trade agreement, Sunak insisted that "the economic relationship between our two countries has never been stronger."  Sunak said the agreement would support tens of thousands of small businesses in the UK to avoid unnecessary red tape when working with a US market.   Trip to 'bang the drum for Britain' Sunak said he met with "CEO's of America's leading companies" as part of his trip. "I'm in Washington DC to bang the drum for Britain," he wrote on Twitter. Shortly before leaving for Washington, Sunak announced that several US companies were making $17 billion (€15.7 billion) in new economic investments in the UK. He was also expected to try to talk up British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace as a candidate to replace NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, whose term in the job is due to end in October. Biden, whose vote could be decisive, has so far not given any indications of whom he supports. Asked after the talks if it was time NATO had a British chief, Biden said: "Maybe. That remains to be seen. We will have to get a consensus within NATO."  Sunak arrived in Washington on Wednesday and began his two-day trip by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The British leader met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and several business leaders and attended a Washington Nationals baseball game.

India and the European Union will coordinate within the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) and explore bilateral cooperation on trustworthy and responsible Artificial Intelligence, including in research and innovation, according to India-EU joint statement. The two sides will coordinate their policies with regard to the strategic semiconductor sector, with the aim of concluding a Memorandum of Understanding by September 2023. Furthermore, India and the European Union will work towards bridging the digital skills gap, explore Mutual Recognition of certifications and make progress on the promotion of skilled professionals and exchange of talent. They will also enhance cooperation on IT and Telecoms Standardisation with a particular focus on promoting interoperable standards. Both sides recognise the importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the development of open and inclusive digital economies and digital societies, and realise that the DPI approach leverages technology, markets and governance to create population-scale digital ecosystems that promote inclusive development and competitive markets and accelerates the progress for achieving 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals, added the statement. To that end, India and the European Union have agreed to collaborate on enhancing the interoperability of their respective Digital Public Infrastructures and on this basis jointly promote secure, privacy-preserving solutions to the benefit of Developing Countries. In addition to the abovementioned priorities, there is an opportunity for both sides to work together on areas such as Platforms, Data Governance and Telecoms Regulation. India and the European Union have set ambitious goals of achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and 2050 respectively. They have also taken commitments to halt and reverse Biodiversity loss by 2030 and to promote Circular Economy. "Achieving these targets and objectives will require significant investments in new clean technologies as well as increased research and innovation efforts. To this end, the Working Group on Green and Clean Energy Technologies will focus on relevant aspects of three areas: (1) Renewable and Low Carbon Hydrogen; (2) Batteries for Electrical Vehicles and (3) Standards Under these focus areas, India and the EU will start with implementing the joint wastewater treatment and management projects to facilitate their market uptake; work on wastewater to energy and on waste to Hydrogen; undertake gap analysis on how to tackle marine plastic litter/pollution; share knowledge on circularity aspects of batteries and recover raw materials; and develop standards that can ensure interoperability, including for Renewable and Low Carbon Hydrogen," read the statement. By investing in these areas, India and the European Union will seek to drive innovation and promote sustainable development in a way that helps meet their respective climate targets, strengthening the role of start-ups, and building skills and capacity. Working Group on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in specific areas of mutual interest. They complement the ongoing negotiations for legally binding agreements on Trade, Investment Protection and Geographical Indications, that proceed on a separate track. To this end, the two sides intend, in the year to come, to focus on the following four areas: Resilient Value Chains; Market Access; exchange of information and multilateral trade issues, with particular emphasis on the World Trade Organization, including the forthcoming Ministerial conference-13. The sides will also intensify their engagement to address the issues that emerge in the implementation of carbon border measures. India and the European Union underlined the importance of advancing across all Working Groups established under the TIC. The co-chairs will meet again in early 2024 in India to take stock of the progress achieved and decide on further actions. India - EU Trade and Technology Council (TIC) met in Brussels on May 16, 2023. The meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal and Minister of State Rajeev Chandrasekhar with European Commission Executive Vice-Presidents Margrethe Vestager and Valdis Dombrovskis, and joined by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and European Commissioner Thierry Breton. "Just concluded an extremely productive 1st India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting. Thank European Commission VPs @vestager and @VDombrovskis for hosting the Indian Ministerial delegation," tweeted Jaishankar. Rapid changes in the world's geopolitical environment highlighted the need for an even deeper strategic partnership between India and the European Union. "On strategic technologies, digital governance and connectivity; clean and green energy technologies; resilient value chains, our discussions were truly meaningful," tweeted Jaishankar. As vibrant democracies, open market economies and pluralistic societies, India and the European Union share fundamental values and have a common interest in ensuring security, prosperity and sustainable development in a multi-polar world. "Exchanged perspectives on economic security; cooperation in third countries including connectivity and derisking the global economy. Confident that this mechanism will further energise our strategic partnership," tweeted Jaishankar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ursula von der Leyen agreed to set up the TTC as a key coordination platform to address key trade, trusted technology and security challenges, to promote a human-centric approach to digital transformation, and to deepen their bilateral relationship in these fields. The choice of this format reflects the strategic nature both sides attach to their bilateral relationship, the desire to guide their cooperation towards tangible results and the geopolitical significance of their trade and technology links in the context of a more contested and rapidly evolving international environment, added the statement. They reaffirmed that international rules-based approaches to trade, technology, and innovation that are founded on solid democratic principles and values can improve the lives of their citizens and generate greater prosperity for people around the world. India and the European Union are committed to deepening their partnership and leveraging their respective strengths to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced digital technologies that will benefit both societies and promote global progress in line with our common values, read the joint statement. The India-EU TTC Working Group on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity defined priority areas and outlined the next steps. The India and the European Union will undertake Quantum and High-Performance Computing research and development projects that could address climate change, natural hazards, bio-informatics, bio-molecular research, and drug development. 

The 9th Bangladesh-US Partnership Dialogue was held at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC, on 03 May 2023, where key bilateral and global issues of mutual interest were discussed. Foreign Secretary Ambassador Masud Bin Momen and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Ambassador Victoria Nuland led their respective delegations. Foreign Secretary Momen briefed the US side about the Prime Minister’s visit to Japan and later to Washington, DC, to celebrate the 50 years of partnership between Bangladesh and the World Bank. He also shared the outline of Bangladesh’s recently released Indo-Pacific outlook. Ambassador Nuland noted number of areas of convergence between the two countries' respective Indo-Pacific documents. Foreign Secretary Momen also briefed his US counterpart about various measures taken by the Election Commission to pave the way for free and fair elections at both local and national level. The US side appreciated the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s express commitment on free and fair elections as well as openness to engage international election monitors. The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary shared some of the positive developments on Bangladesh’s recent human rights performance. He reiterated the call for lifting the sanctions on RAB and extraditing Rashed Chowdhury, the self-confessed killer of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Ambassador Nuland acknowledged the Bangladesh Government’s announcement to review the Digital Security Act by this year. She also emphasized the importance of continuing progress with the labour sector reform in order for attracting enhanced investment from the US.  Both sides expressed satisfaction at the growing and vibrant business cooperation in a number of critical sectors. They agreed to continue working further on cyber security and data protection to enhance business engagements by the US tech giants in Bangladesh. Ambassador Nuland appreciated Bangladesh’s remarkable generosity in hosting the Rohingyas from Myanmar and assured USA’s continued humanitarian support. Foreign Secretary Momen briefed her about the latest situation of the funding for Rohingya response as well as the renewed pilot scheme for repatriating a limited number of Rohingyas to Myanmar. Both sides agreed to further scale up the resettlement programme for some of the most vulnerable Rohingyas. The two sides exchanged their views on the climate change related issues and discussed areas of cooperation in this regard. The Foreign Secretary invited Under Secretary Nuland to the 10th round of the Partnership Dialogue which will take place in Dhaka next year. Bangladesh Ambassador to USA Muhammad Imran and senior officials from relevant Ministries and Bangladesh Embassy in Washington were present in the meeting. The US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, Ambassador Donald Lu and senior officials from the US State Department, White House and the USAID were present from the US side.

The striking story of India's economic resilience and success has inspired confidence and awe across the world, including among countries in Southeast Asia. Once famous for being the economic tigers of Asia, today the members of ASEAN are appreciating India's march toward becoming a US$5 trillion economy and a leading power on the global platform. It comes as little surprise then that ASEAN and its member states are seeking to forge closer ties with India across a spectrum of concerns, including economic cooperation and strategic association. The ongoing geopolitical turmoil because of the Russia-Ukraine war and the rivalry between the United States and China closer home has further reinforced the need for a greater alignment between the interests of India and ASEAN. Among other things, their common desire for free and fair trade practices, greater physical and digital connectivity between its citizens, and an increasing emphasis on sustainability to combat climate change signal the expanding remit of cooperation between the South Asian powerhouse and its Southeast Asian counterparts. The coming years will only witness further deepening and strengthening of their ties, especially as both India and ASEAN push forth for the realization of a more peaceful and equitable, multi-polar world order by overcoming critical but surmountable challenges as strategic partners. The ties between India and ASEAN stretch back over three decades when the former engaged with the Southeast Asian regional organization as a “sectoral dialogue partner” in 1992. Thereafter, the gradual progression in their ties, particularly in the backdrop of India’s fast-paced economic growth and its increasing geopolitical weight, helped the bilateral partners broach newer and different areas of engagement, including in the maritime domain where India and ASEAN have sought to establish a collective security architecture to promote a rule-based maritime order. Today, India is counted among ASEAN’s key strategic partners, signaling the growing convergence in their strategic and economic interests, which are further bolstered by their cultural and civilizational linkages. In fact, reiterating the historical moorings of their contemporary ties, a joint statement by India and ASEAN on the outlook for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region noted that the strength of their continuing cooperation was primed by their age-old ties. Maintaining a Janus-like relationship, it is, then, not hard to see that India and ASEAN will continue to leverage their friendly association of the past for their collective benefit in the future, particularly as they seek economic growth and strategic security for their people. With multi-faceted cooperation in its mind, India took strides in transitioning from its economy-centric policy of “Look East” to a more proactive stance under the banner of “Act East” in 2014. Under the leadership of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India began to chart a more strategically robust journey vis-a-vis the countries to its East, including ASEAN and its respective member states, supplementing its ongoing cooperation with the Southeast Asian nations in economic and cultural domains. It is important to note that India’s evolved foreign policy stance towards its extended neighborhood in the Southeast and beyond stemmed from its own geo-economic and geopolitical story of growth, which helped India to claim a spot for itself as a responsible rising power in the prevailing global order. Furthermore, the shifts in India’s approach coincided with ASEAN’s growing need for stronger ties with like-minded democratic economies to rise up to the current and future challenges. In the last decade, faced with similar challenges, India and ASEAN have found newer terrains of cooperation to explore, going beyond their traditional areas of engagement. Needless to say, their strong track record of bilateral cordiality and supportive diplomatic outreach, along with friendly people-to-people ties, helped them prime one another as credible economic and strategic partners. Attesting to that, a recent survey by the Yusof Ishak House indicated an elevated status for India as a country that the Southeast Asian nations were likely to align with in hedging against the uncertainties posed by the intensifying US-China rivalry. It is instructive to note that India was counted as a dependable strategic partner just after the European Union and Japan, indicating both India’s growing might in the geopolitical order as well as its credentials as a reliable bilateral partner. In the index of perception of trust, India climbed up from the last spot in 2022 to the third spot in 2023, with 9 out of 10 ASEAN member-states increasing their approval ratings for India as one of the most preferred and trusted strategic partners that they would “seek out” in the event of US-China rivalry spins out of hands. India’s catapulting rise in status among the ASEAN nations is not surprising at all. Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical rivalries, including those between the US and Russia over the war in Ukraine, India’s unchanging stance of neutrality has helped project both confidence and responsibility onto the global platform. India’s unequivocal commitment toward peace was recently reflected when on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in 2022, the Indian PM advocated for “democracy, diplomacy and dialogue” to settle the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Similarly, India’s confident demonstration of strategic autonomy, particularly on the matter of energy imports for Russia amid American disapproval, has sent out a strong message about India’s position in the geopolitical equations as a country that cannot be pushed over. Factors like these have been attributed to the substantial jump in India’s ratings - from 5.1 percent in 2022 to 11.3 percent in 2023 - among its ASEAN partners. Against the backdrop of a volatile geopolitical order and a looming economic recession are likely to prompt even closer cooperation between India and ASEAN. Besides tiding over these concerns, India and ASEAN must continue to build on their economic, strategic and cultural partnerships to make fuller use of the potential that their ties hold. From building smart cities to combating climate change to promoting the ethos of democracy and equanimity, much can be done by India and ASEAN to transform their age-old ties into a shining example of contemporary inter-regional camaraderie.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for forming a joint trade and investment committee by Bangladesh-Qatar governments, saying establishment of a joint business forum would bring two countries private sectors under a single platform for mutually beneficial economic partnership. "Our two nations need to reposition our ties based on a mutually beneficial economic partnership," she told the Doha Investment Summit titled "The Rise of Bengal Tiger: Potentials of Trade and Investment in Bangladesh" held at St. Regis Doha hotel. The premier also invited a Qatari business delegation to visit Bangladesh soon and urged the non-resident Bangladeshis in Qatar to invest in Bangladesh, seeking their participation in the nation-building efforts. She suggested that business people from Qatar look at certain thrust sectors in Bangladesh as her government remains open to investment proposals in the infrastructures and logistics sectors. Sheikh Hasina particularly mentioned the scope for Qatari investment in the energy sector, including in renewable energy and said Bangladesh could benefit from Qatar's expertise in offshore gas exploration and energy distribution system. Pointing out Bangladesh's agricultural growth, she said it also creates scope for cooperation in agro-processing industries, with buy-back arrangements to Qatar. In this context, she highlighted that the government has plans to set up three special tourism zones, where Qatar can engage in both real estate and hospitality sectors. "Bangladesh aspire to have at least ten Unicorns in 'Smart Bangladesh', and its vibrant start-up scene is ready to draw Qatari investment," she continued. In addition, Qatari investors can consider portfolio investment in Bangladesh, she said, adding that Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission is working hard to further develop the capital markets. "We've taken several steps to establish our bond market on a solid footing, and we are soon going to include derivative products in our capital markets," she said. The prime minister observed that disruptions in international fuel market due to the war in Ukraine have pushed countries like Bangladesh into a hard spot. "In order to meet our growing energy need, we are interested in increasing our LNG imports from Qatar," she said, adding, "We also request Qatar to explore opportunities for further exports from Bangladesh." She said Bangladesh and Qatar are bound by strong brotherly ties and friendship, and the Bangladesh expatriate community here is an excellent bridge between the two peoples. "I am pleased to see many Bangladesh nationals today along with the Qatari business representatives," she added. The prime minister said Bangladesh has one of the most liberal investment regimes in its region. She said her country is offering incentives including tax holiday, concessionary duty on machinery import, remittance of royalty, technical know-how and fees, allowing 100 percent foreign equity, unrestricted exit policy, full repatriation facilities of dividend and capital on exit, etc. She said the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is offering a number of services to foreign investors under one roof, while her government is setting up 100 Special Economic Zones with coordinated facilities and there are so far five country-specific Economic Zones in the making. Sheikh Hasina said they are investing heavily in infrastructures fit for a regional connectivity and logistics hub. In this connection, she referred to different mega-projects like the Padma Multi-purpose Bridge, the Karnaphuli river tunnel, the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, the expanded third terminal at Dhaka International Airport, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and the Metro-rail system in Dhaka. "All testify to our determined to march forward," she said. Sheikh Hasina said her government has already brought the entire nation under electricity and internet coverage, while Bangladesh's first communication satellite Bangabandhu-I has opened up new horizons. The premier said Bangladesh has a large pool of easily trainable workforce available at a competitive wage, while it has got the world's second largest community of registered IT freelancers. "We've made big leaps in developing our digital backbone up to remote areas," she said, mentioning that the country's boys and girls are preparing themselves to join the Fourth Industrial Revolution. "We are gradually building 38 Hi-tech Parks, with opening for foreign investment," she said, adding, "Our vision now is to build a 'Smart Bangladesh' by 2041, drawing strength from a knowledge-based society." Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh offers to be a willing partner in realizing the Qatar National Vision 2030. "We can equip our workforce with knowledge and skills to cater to the advanced employment market in Qatar," she said. She also said, "We are grateful to the government and people of Qatar for taking good care of our people." Bangladesh is now well on track to graduate from the UN LDC Group in 2026, as its 168 million people achieved this through their hard work and commitment, Sheikh Hasina said. She continued: "Our government tried to offer them the right enabling tools and policies." The prime minister said that COVID-19 pandemic proved that her country could realize their vision to build a "Digital Bangladesh". Just before the pandemic, she said Bangladesh economy reached a growth rate of 8.15 percent. Even during the pandemic, she mentioned, Bangladesh posted a growth rate of 6.94 percent, while its per capita income has now reached US$ 2,824, with three times rise in one decade. She said Bangladesh's export volume has exceeded US$ 60 billion mark and received FDI of US$ 2.8 billion in 2022. She continued that Bangladesh is among the world's top ten remittance earning countries and it is now the world's 35th largest economy with a GDP of US$ 460 billion. "We are projected to become the 24th largest by the first half of the 2030s," she said. Sheikh Hasina said during her first tenure in 1996-2001, her government fully opened up the door of trade and business for the private sector. "Now our private sector is flourishing and our government is working as a facilitator," she said, adding, "Together, we hope to take Bangladesh to the next level of development." The prime minister reaffirmed her commitments to fulfill Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib's dream of building a "Sonar Bangla" expressing confidence that the Qatari leadership and people will continue to stand by Bangladesh in this regard.

US President Joe Biden has said his country acknowledges their enduring partnership with Dhaka and termed Bangladesh's economic growth in the past 50 years as a “remarkable story”.  “As 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of U.S.-Bangladesh relations, I would like to acknowledge our enduring partnership with Bangladesh,” he remarked while accepting the credentials of the newly-appointed Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran at the White House in Washington DC, according to a message received here today.   While formally presenting the credentials to the US President recently, Ambassador Imran conveyed the greetings of President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the US President.   Bangladesh has emerged as an important partner on international trade and investment, climate change, humanitarian, refugee, United Nations Peacekeeping, and counterterrorism, maritime and other security issues, Biden said in a letter to the Ambassador.     The US president said Bangladesh has expanded its largely agrarian-based economy to a regional economic power poised to become a major participant in global supply chains.   “I hope our nations will continue to work on democratic governance, climate change, refuges, and maritime security. We are invested in your success and support the ability of all Bangladeshis to freely participate in and contribute to their country's development,” he said.   Appreciating Bangladesh's generosity in hosting nearly one million Rohingyas, the US President said that they would continue to support Bangladesh in assisting these refugees and their host communities, and protecting their rights.   The United States is committed to finding sustainable and durable solutions to this humanitarian crisis, he said.   On the COVID-19 pandemic, the US President mentioned that the United States is proud to partner with Bangladesh to address the global pandemic under the COVID-19 Global Action Plan.    “We are committed to expanding our growing partnership in the months and years ahead,” he remarked.   Welcoming the new Bangladesh envoy in the United States, Biden said his administration looks forward to working with the Ambassador to expand bilateral relations between the two countries. “My Administration looks forward to working with you to deepen our relations as we address the opportunities and challenges ahead. It is a pleasure to welcome you to Washington,” he said in the letter to the Ambassador. Biden also assured the Bangladesh Ambassador of extending all sorts of cooperation during his tenure in the United States.   This was for the first time after the coronavirus pandemic, the US president in White House recently received in-person the credentials of the newly-appointed envoys.   Ambassador Imran was the first in a group of 10 ambassadors who presented credentials.                            After returning from the White House, Ambassador Imran paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing a floral wreath at the bust of Bangabandhu at Bangladesh Embassy.

For both Tokyo and Taipei, the most important job at hand is to push for Taiwan's inclusion in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to maintain regional peace and prosperity in the region and to protect Taiwan's democratic system, said Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council Chairman, Keiji Furuya. Furuya during a meeting with Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (Chen Qi Mai ) in Tokyo on Monday, reiterated his support for Taipei's bid to join a Tokya-led trade bloc. He called for closer Taiwan-Japan ties on all fronts. The remarks by Furuya came when he and a group of council members hosted Chen in Tokyo, according to a Kaohsiung City government press release, reported Focus Taiwan. Chen from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is currently visiting Tokyo as part of his first overseas trip since 2020. Chen in Monday's meeting expressed his gratitude to Japan for donating COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan. In response, Furuya said the vaccine donation was made as a return gift after Taiwan donated two million face masks to Japan in early 2020, reported Focus Taiwan. Chen also thanked Furuya for supporting Taiwan's CPTPP bid. Recently, on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, Taiwanese civic groups called on the Taiwan government to raise concerns over China's cross-border repression, reported money.udn.com. As a democratic country with a relatively open and stable civic space in the region, Taiwan should take the initiative to establish a mechanism to accept regional human rights defenders and civic organizations, said the Taiwanese NGOs. Taiwanese non-governmental organizations held a press conference to focus on the issue of cross-border repression in mainland China and called for the establishment of a refugee asylum mechanism that meets international standards. A press conference titled "Human Rights Diehards. Collaboration with the Democratic Alliance. Rejecting Cross-border Suppression" was held today in Taipei, co-organized by the Taiwan Association for the Promotion of Human Rights, Defenders, Tibet-Taiwan Human Rights Connection, and Taiwan-Hong Kong Frontier Town Youth, reported money.udn.com. Chen Jingjie, an initiative and research specialist of Defenders, pointed out at the meeting that cross-border repression refers to the expansion of the authoritarian government's influence abroad, and the persecution of individuals and specific groups through legal and illegal means. Chen Jingjie said that when more and more countries realize the problem of China's cross-border repression, investigate China's influence outside China and try to strengthen their own democratic defence mechanisms, Taiwan has the responsibility to stand with other democratic countries, reported money.udn.com. Source: ANI