Dhaka, Athens discuss migration, Mediterranean issues

Greece has briefed Bangladesh on current developments concerning the European Union as well as issues of concern to their region, the Mediterranean, the Western Balkans and migration. Photo: UNB
Greece has briefed Bangladesh on current developments concerning the European Union as well as issues of concern to their region, the Mediterranean, the Western Balkans and migration. Photo: UNB

Greece has briefed Bangladesh on current developments concerning the European Union as well as issues of concern to their region, the Mediterranean, the Western Balkans and migration.

"The Greek government is working hard and taking specific measures to expedite procedures that will allow for an increase in the number of returns, in the context of the relevant EU - Turkey joint statement," said Greece foreign minister N Dendias following his meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart AK Abdul Momen held in Athens on Tuesday.

They, in presence of Alternate Minister Giorgos Koumoutsakos, exchanged views on issues that concern the major concern of migration.

The Greek foreign minister stressed that returns will continue taking place in "absolute compliance" with international law and in accordance with the "strong sentiment of humanism and responsibility" which characterises both the Greek state apparatus and Greek society, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece.

This attitude of responsibility has been acknowledged at the international level and is absolutely non-negotiable, he said.

"This attitude should serve as a moral compass to those who insist on capitalising on human pain in the service of their own interests. I call upon them to leave this policy behind and honour their international commitments," said the Greek foreign minister.

More importantly, though, he said, the meeting was the ideal trigger to renew bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Greece.

The Greek foreign minister said the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two foreign ministries on cooperation in the area of diplomatic training and constitutes a concrete step in this direction.

"During our discussion, we also outlined the potential for mutual support between Greece and Bangladesh in regard to various issues," he said.

In the context of effort to broaden economic and trade relations, Momen expressed his country's readiness to step up cooperation on all fronts.

The Greek foreign minister also accepted his invitation to visit Bangladesh soon, heading a group of Greek entrepreneurs.

"It is my expectation that this will carry over to a number of other fields, such as culture and education. I also expressed Greece's readiness for exchange of know-how with Bangladesh in all areas of mutual interest," said minister Dendias.

The Greek foreign minister also informed Momen about Greek prime minister's initiative for the protection of cultural heritage threatened by climate change, and asked for the participation of Bangladesh.

Both sides exchanged views on numerous issues of common interest, such as the environment.

"Climate change affects us all. We listened to the Bangladeshi views with particular interest, in regard to both regional issues of Southern Asia and issues of global concern. Environmental protection is such an issue," he said.