Dhaka, August 1, 2023 – The Kingdom of the Netherlands’ Ambassador to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Anne Gerard van Leeuwen, concluded his diplomatic tenure with a cordial visit to the Honorable Foreign Minister, Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, MP. The meeting, held at the Foreign Minister’s office, served as a platform for mutual appreciation and discussions on the robust bilateral relations between the two nations.
Ambassador Leeuwen, reflecting on his time in Bangladesh, hailed the nation as a captivating environment for his diplomatic mission. He extended his gratitude to the Bangladeshi government for its hospitality and facilitation during his tenure, which allowed him to experience the natural splendor of places like the Sundarbans, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, and the North-Eastern districts. He commended Bangladesh’s resilient socio-economic progress amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Ambassador praised the nation’s economic activities and the dynamic spirit of its people. Expressing his admiration, he acknowledged Bangladesh’s compassionate role in hosting 1.1 million Rohingya refugees, expressing hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
In response, the Honorable Foreign Minister conveyed his congratulations to Ambassador Leeuwen for his successful term in Bangladesh and lauded his significant contributions to advancing bilateral relations. Dr. Abdul Momen emphasized that countries like Bangladesh, progressing towards graduation, should be rewarded with continued Everything But Arms (EBA) facilities to facilitate growth and address ongoing challenges. He expressed keen interest in collaborating with Dutch expertise to achieve the ambitious goals of the Delta Plan 2100, encompassing crucial aspects like water and maritime resource management, land reclamation, advanced agricultural techniques, and climate change adaptation.
The Foreign Minister further briefed Ambassador Leeuwen on Bangladesh’s strides in disaster preparedness, including the establishment of cyclone shelters, an advanced warning system, and a dedicated network of volunteers. Dr. Abdul Momen emphasized the urgency of climate funding for nations with low carbon footprints like Bangladesh, asserting that even a modest fraction of the global defense budget could generate significant resources. He extended an invitation for Dutch investment in Bangladesh’s Special Economic Zones, Hi-tech parks, and the burgeoning IT and agro-processing sectors.
The meeting concluded on a symbolic note, with the Honorable Foreign Minister presenting a memento as a token of appreciation.
