Dhaka. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has highlighted the government’s foreign policy priorities during a high-level panel discussion at the ongoing Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey.
On Saturday (April 18), the Minister stated that reactivating and strengthening the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is one of the primary goals of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration.
Honoring Ziaur Rahman’s Legacy:
During the discussion, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman paid tribute to the historical and visionary role of the late President Ziaur Rahman in founding SAARC. He noted that the current government aims to accelerate the vision of mutual cooperation and economic prosperity in South Asia that Ziaur Rahman had pioneered, adapting it to a modern context.
The Core Pillar of Foreign Policy:
Addressing the panel, the Foreign Minister said: “Transforming SAARC into an effective and dynamic organization is a cornerstone of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s foreign policy. For the sake of regional stability and economic development, the revival of SAARC is absolutely essential.”
Participation of Regional Leaders:
The panel discussion on regional dynamics and mutual cooperation in South Asia also featured prominent leaders, including: Ishaq Dar: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan. Azizi: Minister of Transport of Afghanistan.
Strategic Significance:
According to diplomatic analysts, Bangladesh’s stance on SAARC at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum sends a clear signal of Dhaka’s intent to lead regional integration and strengthen brotherhood in South Asia. Given the current geopolitical landscape, the activation of SAARC is being viewed as a strategic priority for Bangladesh.
Md. Abdur Rahman
Secretary General
SAARC Journalist Forum
