PM seeks Seoul’s support to resolve Rohingya crisis

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged South Korea to engage with Myanmar for an early peaceful solution to the Rohingya crisis that has posed risks to regional peace and stability.

"The displacement of Rohingyas from Myanmar to Bangladesh has posed risks to peace and stability of our region. We hope Korea will engage with Myanmar for an early peaceful solution to the Rohingya crisis," she said.

In reply, the South Korean premier said, "Anything we can do we'll do."

During the official talks between Bangladesh and South Korea at the Prime Minister's Office here this afternoon, Sheikh Hasina also called upon Seoul to consider allowing duty free market access for all Bangladesh exports without any exception.

After the talks, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the Bangladesh side at the talks, while the Korean side was headed by Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon.

The press secretary said the talks lasted 40 minutes with various issues mainly trade, commerce, investment and technical cooperation coming up for discussion.

About the Rohingya issue, the Bangladesh premier said sustained international pressure and engagement are needed to complement our bilateral efforts with Myanmar to resolve the humanitarian crisis peacefully.

Sheikh Hasina said repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas could not be started as Myanmar failed to create a conducive environment in Rakhine.

"If the displaced Rohingyas are assured of safety, dignity and access to their land and property, they will be encouraged to go back to Myanmar," she said.

The prime minister expressed her gratitude to the Republic of Korea for supporting adoption of a resolution on the situation of Human Rights in Myanmar at the UNGA in November 2018.

"We also appreciate Korea's humanitarian aid for the Rohingyas," she said.

The Korean prime minister highly appreciated Bangladesh for giving shelter to a huge number of Rohingyas.

Sheikh Hasina said the trade between two countries is heavily tilted towards Korea. "To narrow down the trade imbalance, we request you to consider allowing duty free market access for all of our exports without any exception," she said.

The prime minister said Korea may also import woven garments, pharmaceuticals, knitwear, jute and jute products, leather and leather goods, frozen food, ceramic items from Bangladesh.

In reply, Lee Nak-yon said they will consider duty-and-quota-free market access of Bangladeshi goods to South Korea.