Don’t want to see any proxy war in region : FM

Highlighting the importance of peace and stability for greater development, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday (27 December) said they do not want to see any proxy war in the region.

"Our main goal is that we do not want to see any proxy war here. Problems remain there where we see proxy war despite having resources. Europe has fallen into proxy war and is facing challenges," he told reporters, noting that there might be efforts to make the countries in the region weaker.

Momen said Bangladesh has taken a leadership role in the region and other countries acknowledge this. "This is good for us."

The foreign minister named countries like Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia, which are emerging as important partners in the region.

Responding to a question on external pressure ahead of the next national election, Momen said they never felt any pressure but they want to make sure that the election is conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

Mentioning India, the US and the European Union, Momen said they are Bangladesh's friends and development partners.

"We have a long-standing relationship with these countries. We have multifaceted relations with them," said the foreign minister.

Momen said the US stood against Bangladesh during the war of Liberation in 1971 and sided with Pakistan, but the US started supporting Bangladesh since Bangladesh achieved its independence.

"Otherwise, they (US) have been supportive to us. We have been maintaining very good relations with India since independence and the two countries are passing through a golden chapter in their relations. And the EU is a big market for us," he explained.