Dhaka: Stating that the root of Rohingya problem lies in Myanmar, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the international community, including Switzerland, to keep up pressure on Myanmar for an early and peaceful solution to the crisis. The Prime Minister came up with the call in a joint statement after a meeting with visiting President of Swiss Confederation Alain Berset at her office.
"We had a fruitful meeting today. We've discussed the Rohingya crisis during bilateral talks. I shared that as the root of the problem lies in Myanmar, the solution has to be found in Myanmar," she said. "I put emphasis on full and immediate implementation of the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission report, as that will be critically important for the sustainable return of the Rohingya people, in safety and dignity, to their homes in Myanmar," Hasina said.
At the meeting, she said, they discussed the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which provides a unique opportunity to build new global partnerships. Hasina said both the countries agreed to conclude a framework MoU on collaboration on matters related to the implementation of Agenda 2030 in near future.
A joint declaration identifying the key areas for broader cooperation between the two countries was issued, she said adding, "We may now ask our respective authorities to develop a roadmap for the implementation of our joint undertakings in a time-bound manner for the shared prosperity of our two people."
She thanked Alain Berset for making his historic visit to Bangladesh and termed it a milestone in 45 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Hasina recalled her visit to Switzerland in December 2000 at the invitation of the then President of the Swiss Confederation. She said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had great admiration about Switzerland for its democratic values, high economic achievement, unique foreign policy of peace, friendship and firm neutrality. "Bangabandhu, my father, looked at Switzerland as a model and wanted to develop Bangladesh as the 'Switzerland of the East'."
Switzerland was among the first few West European countries to recognize Bangladesh as an independent state on 13 March 1972. Ever since Switzerland became an important development partner and a time tested friend, she said. Hasina appreciated the role played by Switzerland regarding the Rohingya crisis at different United Nations forums and beyond.
