'Canada uses all tools against Myanmar to solve Rohingya crisis'
Canada on Saturday said they are using all tools at their disposal, including sanctions, against Myanmar leaders and companies as well as diplomatic efforts to help find a solution to Rohingya crisis, reports UNB.
"We fully agree that the causes and solutions to the crisis lie in Myanmar, and this is why we’re using all tools at our disposal to help," UNB quoted Canadian high commissioner to Bangladesh, Benoit Prefontaine, as saying.
The high commissioner was addressing a symposium titled “Bangladesh-Canada Relations: Prognosis for Partnership” at a hotel in the capital on Saturday.
Foreign secretary Md Shahidul Haque who spoke at the event as the chief guest termed Bangladesh-Canada relations a trouble-free one which is growing on all fronts.
High commissioner Prefontaine said Canada has a long history of helping and welcoming refugees and their citizens deeply care about what the Rohingya and Cox's Bazar host communities are going through.
He said Canada recognises the immense generosity that the people and government of Bangladesh have demonstrated in welcoming Rohingya refugees and in keeping their borders open to those seeking refuge.
The high commissioner said Canada was one of the first countries to respond to the crisis, and continues to be a top humanitarian donor.
"We place crucial importance on addressing the urgent needs of crisis-affected populations in Cox’s Bazar, both refugees and those living in the affected host communities," UNB quoted the Canadian high commissioner as saying.
On prevention of terrorism, he said the security of Canada is linked to that of other states while everyone knows, preventing and responding to terrorism or transnational crime requires resources, expertise and partners.
The high commissioner said Canada will continue to engage constructively with regional, bilateral and multilateral partners in driving positive action on global issues such as strengthening global peace and security operations.
"Bangladesh is a key partner in that approach because of your strategic geopolitical location, your embrace of multilateralism and zero tolerance for terrorism," he said.
Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Cosmos Group, organised the symposium as part of its ambassador’s lecture series.
Chairman of Cosmos Foundation Enayetullah Khan delivered the welcome speech at the symposium chaired by Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, the principal research fellow at the South Asian studies institute, National University of Singapore, and former foreign affairs adviser to Bangladesh’s previous caretaker government.