Khalilur raises concern over oil crisis impact during meeting with Guterres

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has raised the challenges faced by developing and vulnerable countries due to the ongoing global oil crisis during a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in New York yesterday.

According to a statement from the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, Guterres reaffirmed his unwavering support and solidarity with Bangladesh.

The US-Israel war on Iran, Tehran’s retaliation, and the choking of the Strait of Hormuz -- through which 20 percent of the world’s fuel is transported -- have already driven up fuel prices.

At the meeting, the UN Secretary-General extended warm congratulations to the newly formed government of Bangladesh. He also highly commended the country for its continued humanitarian leadership and generosity in sheltering forcibly displaced Rohingya people.

Around 1.2 million Rohingya are currently being sheltered by Bangladesh in Cox's Bazar and Bhashanchar.

The discussions also covered a range of contemporary global issues.

On behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Khalilur extended an invitation to the UN secretary-general to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. Guterres welcomed the invitation.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Nations in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development.