Diplomacy

Collected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Prime Minister Hasina calls on diplomats to be more proactive

"You (diplomats) have to be active in strengthening economic diplomacy besides brightening the country's image," she said at the regional ambassadors' conference held at the Prime Minister's residence in Qatar on Monday evening.

The conference was attended by Bangladeshi diplomats stationed in Middle East countries.

Sheikh Hasina said that since the transition of Bangladesh as a developing country is happening, it is necessary to pay attention to those countries from where Bangladesh can increase trade and gain as a developing country.

She said, "You have to keep your eyes and ears open and negotiate and mediate with all the countries. So that we as a developing country can survive, move forward and finally become a developed country."

Sheikh Hasina said, once diplomacy was a matter of foreign policy. But now it is an economic matter, meaning economic diplomacy.

She said, "So, those of you who are working in different countries need to identify the countries where we can do business. At the same time, the countries where we have the opportunity to export our products and the countries from which we can import products at low and fair prices."

She added, "The most important thing is that it is very necessary to increase business and trade. Identify countries where there is a demand for our products and where there is a marketing opportunity."

Referring to Bangladesh's foreign policy in maintaining good relations with various countries, the prime minister said, the main basis of the country's foreign policy is 'friendship with all, enmity with none.' She said, "I can at least claim that Bangladesh is following this policy correctly."

The Prime Minister said that Bangladesh will maintain friendly relations with everyone, however, when any injustice is seen, Bangladesh must speak out against it while maintaining friendly relations, which is being done in the case of Myanmar.