Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md. Touhid Hossain is attending the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) being held in Muscat, Oman, on 16-17 February 2025. The conference is organized by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman in collaboration with the Indian Government and India Foundation.
The theme of the 8th IOC is "Voyage of New Horizons of Maritime Partnership." Adviser for Foreign Affairs spoke at one of the plenary sessions on the topic of ‘Strengthening Maritime Supply Chains.’
He explained the multifaceted challenges that threaten the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of maritime supply chains. He emphasized the need for a holistic approach and collaboration to overcome disruptions and enhance resilience.
Among other issues, he also called for easing visa requirements and other administrative processes for seafarers, as well as ensuring adequate facilities for them, recognizing their crucial role in maintaining the maritime supply chain. Ministerial delegations from more than thirty countries and several regional organizations, including SAARC, BIMSTEC, and IORA, attended the conference.
On the sidelines of the 8th IOC, Touhid Hossain met with his Indian counterpart, Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India. The two sides discussed various bilateral issues of mutual concern and interest.
Recalling their last meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA in September 2024, they noted that since then, the two countries have engaged in several bilateral meetings, including the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) at the level of Foreign Secretaries in Dhaka on 9 December 2024. Additionally, the Energy Adviser of Bangladesh participated in the India Energy Week events in New Delhi on 10-11 February 2025.
They also noted that a meeting at the level of Directors General of Border Guarding Forces from both countries is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 18-20 February 2025. They expressed hope that various border-related issues would be discussed and resolved during the meeting. Both sides recognized the challenges faced in bilateral relations and emphasized the need to work together to address them.
Touhid Hossain emphasized the importance of initiating discussions for the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty. He also highlighted the significance of convening the SAARC Standing Committee meeting and requested the Indian Government’s consideration in this regard.
On the sidelines of the 8th IOC, the Foreign Affairs Adviser also met with the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania to discuss various issues of mutual interest.
He is also scheduled to meet with the Hon’ble Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman on 17 February 2025.
