BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES


DATE: 2013-08-25
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Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) launched a new Lecture Series titled Country Lecture Series with an inauguration ceremony on 25th August 2013 at BIISS auditorium, Dhaka. H. E. Dr. Dipu Moni, MP, Honourable Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh was present as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the country lecture series. The first lecture in this series was delivered by H. E. Ms. Norlin Binti Othman, High Commissioner of Malaysia in Bangladesh. She spoke on Malaysia and its Foreign Policy. Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad, Chairman, Board of Governors, BIISS chaired the session. Major General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, ndu, psc, Director General of BIISS delivered the Address of Welcome.

In his Address of Welcome, Major General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, ndu, psc, Director General, BIISS, mentioned that Malaysia was one of the first Muslim states to recognise Bangladesh after its glorious War of Liberation and since then the two countries have seen a rapid growth of cooperation between them. Being co-members of OIC, NAM, Commonwealth, D-8 and ARF and as strong proponents of multilateralism, Bangladesh and Malaysia share common understanding on major regional and international issues. He added that Bangladesh and Malaysia enjoy good bilateral relations based on the foundation of common religion, history and culture.

Dr. Dipu Moni, M. P. Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, noted that Bangladesh and Malaysia enjoy friendly relations based on the foundation of historic ties and culture. Over the years, the relations between the two friendly nations have flourished. The state of relations is reflected in the growing bilateral cooperation covering a wide range of areas that include economic and technical assistance, trade and investment, employment of Bangladeshi workforce in Malaysia, exchange programmes of various kinds and increasing tourism, culture and sports cooperation. The two countries share similar views on many regional and international issues and have been working closely in the international fora to advance peace, stability, and development.

The Honourable Minister mentioned that Bangladesh is the third largest trading partner of Malaysia among the South Asian nations, following India and Pakistan. Malaysia is also the largest ASEAN investor in Bangladesh. Malaysian companies have invested in areas such as telecommunications, textiles and financial sector. However, the trade balance is overwhelmingly in Malaysia's favour. She hoped that the trade gap will be reduced by the joint efforts of the two countries.

Ms. Norlin Binti Othman, High Commissioner, High Commission of Malaysia in Bangladesh in her lecture on Malaysia focused various aspects related to Malaysia and its Foreign Policy. She mentioned that Malaysia is a developing nation which managed diversity with success among different ethnic groups of the country. Malaysian Foreign Policy is based on the enhancement of national interest as well as making harmonious international relations. Malaysia wants to make harmonious relations with its neighbouring countries of ASEAN and other developing countries like Bangladesh.

The High Commissioner noted that Malaysia and Bangladesh worked jointly in various UN Peacekeeping operations and also worked in various international forums in combating global terrorism while Malaysia proposed multifaceted approach. The two countries have come closer through South-South cooperation. Bangladesh is also one of the highest manpower exporter countries to Malaysia. She added that the country upholds some fundamental principles like friendly relations among countries, peaceful settlement of international disputes and constructive engagement in resolving various problems with neighbouring countries. Malaysia wants to send more students to Bangladesh for higher studies, she noted. Responding to a question from the floor, session, she mentioned that in the process of legalisation of illegal foreign workers, Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia provided unprecedented service to the illegal Bangladeshi workers and succeeded in helping to legalise about 300,000 of workers. This, she added, was the highest number compared to other countries.

Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad, Chairman, Board of Governors, BIISS, emphasised that Malaysia happens to be one of our closest friends and partners. Religious and cultural affinity, regular and constant G-To-G and P-to-P contacts and exchanges, as well as significant cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, education, manpower and tourism contribute significantly to the progressive strengthening of these ties. Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia are making valuable contribution to the economies of the both countries.

The Country Lecture on Malaysia was participated by scholars, members of academia and media, government officials and policy makers.