Momen proposes contract
farming deal to S Sudan

Diplomatic Correspondent: Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has proposedto strike deals to South Sudan on different areas including contract farmingon agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, saying it could be mutuallybeneficial.
He also suggested signing agreements on visa exemption for holders ofdiplomatic and official passport, promotion and protection of investment,cooperation in trade and bilateral consultations between the foreign ministries of both countries.
The foreign minister came up with the proposal while a high-level South Sudanese delegation led its Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Dau Dengmet him at the state Guest House Padma on Monday evening.
During the meeting it was agreed that draft agreements from Bangladesh sidewould be forwarded to the South Sudanese side for their consideration.
The South Sudanese delegation was also comprised of Deputy Minister ofDefense, Secretary, Trade and Industry and other high officials.
The both sides discussed various matters of existing bilateral relationsbetween the governments of Bangladesh and South Sudan.

Dr Momen suggested that both countries may establish co-operation insectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT and ICT.

He informed that South Sudan can get ships and barges fabricated inBangladesh through joint collaboration.

The South Sudanese side expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s engagementin South Sudan in infrastructure building and rehabilitation areas apart fromparticipation in peacekeeping there.

The visiting delegation particularly underlined the scope of co-operationbetween the two the countries in health, education, IT and ICT, socialdevelopment, agriculture, education, climate change and UN peace-keepingareas.

It may be mentioned that Bangladesh contingents are deployed in the UNpeacekeeping Mission in UNMISS in South Sudan.

The South Sudanese deputy foreign minister said that Bangladeshpeacekeepers deployed in peace-keeping missions in South Sudan are playing avaluable role in maintaining peace and security in the area.

Bangladesh foreign minister proposed that the South Sudanese government maysend military officers at the peace training institute of Bangladesh and alsoat our military academies.

Both sides identified that co-operation may be established in sectors likedredging and river management.

Dr Momen requested the South Sudanese side to extend support for solutionof the Rohingya crisis through safe and dignified return of the Rohingyapopulations to their homeland.

The delegation also called on State Minister for Foreign Affairs ShahriarAlam at his office in the afternoon.

A dinner was hosted in honour of the visiting South Sudanese delegation atState Guest House Padma.

The South Sudanese delegation is scheduled to meet with BangladeshAgriculture, Commerce and Industries ministers.

They are also due to visit agricultural projects, nursing institutions andfew manufacturing industries in Bangladesh.

The tour marks the first ever such high-level bilateral visit from SouthSudan to Bangladesh which comprises several high-level dignitaries.