European Union (EU) has reassured that it will remain with Bangladesh in resolving Rohingya crisis, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice President Federica Mogherini gave the assurance to Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali during a meeting in the Belgian capital of Brussels on Thursday.
During the meeting, Mogherini hailed Bangladesh for its generosity, patience, solidarity and 'humanity' in dealing with the ongoing Rohingya crisis.
The foreign minister briefed Mogherini on bilateral engagements and arrangements made so far for safe, dignified and sustainable return of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. He emphasized the need for sustained international pressure on the Myanmar authorities, particularly on the country's military, to ensure a conducive environment for the safe and dignified return of the Rohingya people to their home in Myanmar from Bangladesh and the no man's land.They also discussed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) between Bangladesh and EU for identification and return of the persons without an authorization to stay in EU member states and expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far in its implementation. They also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interests.Bangladesh Ambassador to Belgium and EU Mohammed Shahdat Hossain and Bangladesh Foreign Ministry's West Europe and EU Wing Director General Mohammad Khorshed Khastagir, among others, were present in the meeting.Early in the day, the foreign minister held a meeting with his Belgian counterpart at his office. The Belgian deputy prime minister and foreign minister highly appreciated Bangladesh's generous role in hosting a large number of displaced Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. He further expressed concerns over the continued violation of human rights the Rohingya people in Myanmar's strife-torn Rakhine state.