DHAKA, 09 February 2022, (TON): US diplomatic sources said that Washington expects an expanded security alongside trade ties with Bangladesh, envisioning next 50 years while 2022 marks 50 years of its relations with Dhaka after its 1971 emergence, amid some newer developments.

In an informal opinion exchange interaction with BSS diplomatic correspondent and some other foreign affairs reporters this week, officials based in Dhaka’s US embassy said “Washington actually seeks strong and greater cooperation with Bangladesh.”

They visibly were of the opinion that the existing period created scopes for cementing further a stronger “security and trade ties” while the two countries this year were also celebrating golden jubilee of their diplomatic relations.

An official of US Embassy in course the interactions said “this year is really an opportunity to build on those strong ties that we have in the areas of commerce, trade and also in security cooperation.”

The official, however, said his government wants security cooperation to continue with Bangladesh as it was underway in the passing years but under a newly adopted US policy update of its ‘Leahy Law”.

DHAKA, 09 February 2022, (TON): US diplomatic sources said that Washington expects an expanded security alongside trade ties with Bangladesh, envisioning next 50 years while 2022 marks 50 years of its relations with Dhaka after its 1971 emergence, amid some newer developments.

In an informal opinion exchange interaction with BSS diplomatic correspondent and some other foreign affairs reporters this week, officials based in Dhaka’s US embassy said “Washington actually seeks strong and greater cooperation with Bangladesh.”

They visibly were of the opinion that the existing period created scopes for cementing further a stronger “security and trade ties” while the two countries this year were also celebrating golden jubilee of their diplomatic relations.

An official of US Embassy in course the interactions said “this year is really an opportunity to build on those strong ties that we have in the areas of commerce, trade and also in security cooperation.”

The official, however, said his government wants security cooperation to continue with Bangladesh as it was underway in the passing years but under a newly adopted US policy update of its ‘Leahy Law”.

DHAKA, 09 February 2022, (TON): Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought Japan’s support for an early voluntary and sustainable repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar as Dhaka and Tokyo share common views on resolving the crisis.

She said “we seek Japan’s support for an early voluntary, safe and sustainable repatriation of these displaced (Rohingyas) people back to their ancestral homes in Myanmar.”

In the time of celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishment of Bangladesh-Japan diplomatic relations, the Premier in a pre-recorded video message also opined that importantly, both the countries share common views on resolving the crisis of forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

She said “Bangladesh and Japan as trusted partners and peace-loving nations, both have always worked in supporting one another in international forums to promote global peace, progress, prosperity, stability and sustainable development.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka jointly organized a function  marking the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

OTTAWA, 08 February 2022, (TON): Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency to help deal with an unprecedented 10-day occupation by protesting truckers that has blocked much of the centre of the Canadian capital.

Watson said in a statement “this reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations and highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government.”

Watson, who complained earlier in the day that the demonstrators outnumbered police and were in control of the situation, did not give details of what measures he might impose.

The protesters, who first reached the capital on January 29, have parked their trucks on city streets and put up tents and temporary shacks, paralysing the capital.

The self-styled freedom truck convoy began as protests by truck drivers angry with vaccine requirements for crossing the US-Canada border, but have evolved into broader protests against COVID-19 health restrictions and the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The truckers’ protest has attracted support from many Republicans south of the border, including former President Donald Trump, and found financial support through GoFundMe. “Canada-US relations used to be mainly about solving technical issues.

WASHINGTON, 08 February 2022, (TON): Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State has said that on behalf of the Government of the United States, I congratulate the people of Grenada on the 48th anniversary of your independence.

Grenada and the United States share close ties and a strong, steadfast partnership.  We appreciate Grenada’s role in addressing the climate crisis and are proud to work together to improve regional security and advance the health and prosperity of the Caribbean.

Our collaboration with Grenada on education and entrepreneurship helps ensure a more prosperous future for the people of Grenada. 

In the year ahead, we look forward to the inauguration of two emergency operations centers in Grenada and Carriacou that will support Grenada’s security and resilience.

LONDON, 08 February 2022, (TON): The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency have confirmed that the UK Hualong Pressurised Water Reactor (UK HPR1000) is suitable for construction in the UK, subject to the necessary licensing, planning permission and environmental permits, following completion of their in-depth assessment of the nuclear reactor design.

The UK HPR1000 is based on the Hualong One power plant, designed by China General Nuclear Group (CGN).

The ONR and the Environment Agency, the regulators who carry out the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) of new reactor designs, are satisfied that this reactor meets regulatory expectations on safety, security and environmental protection at this stage of the regulatory process.

The regulators assess the acceptability of new nuclear power station designs in a process called Generic Design Assessment. This helps ensure that any new nuclear power stations built in the UK meet high standards of safety, security, environmental protection and waste management.

ONR has issued a Design Acceptance Confirmation (DAC) and the Environment Agency has issued a Statement of Design Acceptability (SoDA) to China General Nuclear, EDF and General Nuclear International Ltd, the partners in this GDA of the UK HPR1000.

MOSCOW, 08 February 2022, (TON): On February 7, Member of the Board, Rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia A.V. Yakovenko, as a member of the Russia-Argentina Business Council, received the Ambassador of this country in Moscow, E.A. Zuain.

During the conversation, the results of Argentinean President A. Fernandez’s visit to Russia, primarily in the trade, economic and investment spheres, were discussed.

EA Zuain stressed that the head of the Argentinean state highly appreciated the level of interaction between the two countries and spoke in favor of their further comprehensive development.

Particular emphasis was placed on the need to strengthen cooperation between entrepreneurs of the two countries.

WASHINGTON, 08 February 2022, (TON): Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to Mexico City February 9, 2022 to engage with government counterparts and accelerate cooperation on the climate crisis, including opportunities for expanding renewable power generation, creating a sound investment climate, combating methane pollution, transitioning to zero-emissions transportation, and ending deforestation.

Secretary Kerry will meet with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and other government officials.

WASHINGTON, 08 February 2022, (TON): Under Secretary lof State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland will travel February 7-8 to Bogotá, Colombia, with an interagency delegation to engage with senior Colombian government and law enforcement officials and members of civil society.

Under Secretary Nuland and the delegation will participate in the U.S.-Colombia High-Level Strategic Security Dialogue and discuss cooperation to advance regional security, democratic institutions, and economic ties.

Other senior members of the interagency delegation include Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A.

Nichols, National Security Council Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere Juan S. Gonzalez, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere Daniel Erikson, and National Intelligence Manager for the Western Hemisphere Jon Stainbrook.

RIYADH, 08 February 2022, (TON): The Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif held talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the start of his official visit.

Prince Abdulaziz was received at Noor Khan Airbase by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, and Tahir Ashrafi, Khan’s special representative on religious harmony.

The two countries enjoy strong relationship.

Last year, Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Dr. Abdullah Al-Asheikh visited Pakistan following an invitation from Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser.