Environment Minister holds four important bilateral meetings on sidelines of COP17 conference

The meetings discussed various issues including combating land degradation and drought, climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, trade and labour migration.

In the meeting with India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, discussions were held on climate-resilient agriculture, water management, conservation of the Sundarbans and the Bay of Bengal coastal ecosystem, and increasing cooperation in renewable energy.

In the meeting with Mongolia's Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh, the Environment Minister discussed strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries, expanding trade, and opportunities for exporting Bangladeshi agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, processed food and readymade garments. The possibility of employment for skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers in Mongolia also came up.

In the meeting with International Organization for Migration (IOM) Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels, discussions were held on climate change-induced migration, enhancing the capacity of vulnerable populations, and safe and regular migration. In the meeting with Mongolia's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the possibilities of cooperation on land restoration, desertification control, biodiversity and climate adaptation were discussed.

The Environment Minister said it is essential to strengthen regional and international partnerships to address cross-border challenges such as climate change and land degradation. He expressed hope that through these meetings, Bangladesh's international cooperation in environment and sustainable development will be further strengthened.