Climate summit in Bhutan unlikely

 The regional climate summit in Bhutan is uncertain as the premiers of two neighbouring countries ? Bangladesh and India ? are in a dilemma to join it because of tight schedule, said a highly placed source.

?The prime minister of Bangladesh is still in a dilemma whether she will join the regional summit or not,? the source said with reference to the foreign ministry.

The Indian premier also falls short of his schedule to join the six-day summit expected to begin on November 14.

However, Bhutan, the host of the conference with Bangladesh, India and Nepal, is still optimistic about the event.

Meanwhile, several high-level meetings were held among the parties ahead of the summit.

Even, a 10-year roadmap has been adopted to be declared in the summit to address food, water, energy and biodiversity issues.

The Himalayan nations agreed to take the roadmap in the ministerial meeting held in Nepal on August 2010 to adapt people to the impacts of climate change.

The roadmap includes adaptation to climate change in the eastern Himalayan sub-region to ensure food, water and energy security while maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The four countries each have already submitted their individual roadmap on food, water, energy and biodiversity to the host country.

The summit is also supposed to ensure pledges from partner countries, institutions and individuals for funds and to collaborate in implementing the roadmap.

It will also set up effective regional expert groups to advise governments in implementing the roadmap and addressing emerging challenges.

Some cross-cutting issues like health and disaster risks to climate change in the region are also said to dominate the agenda.

Source: daily-sun.com

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Dhaka seeks help for climate battle

Berlin: Bangladesh and Germany agreed on Tuesday to explore more bilateral trade and cooperation in the fields of sustainable development, climate change, health and social security program.

The two countries agreed to strengthen their today's excellent bilateral relations to a new level and work together on various regional and international issues of common interests for mutual benefits.

The agreement was in negotiations between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel in the official residence of the Chancellor here.

In a joint press conference after the talks said Hasina and Markel, that she have a very open, thorough and fruitful debate on various issues of mutual interests and regional and international issues of common interest.

Markel said Germany very good relations with Bangladesh. She acknowledged the first-class Minister?s role in the development of regional cooperation and connectivity in South Asia, in particular India, Pakistan and Myanmar.

The Prime Minister said, ?I?m, return happy promises my people and cooperation for bilateral, regional and international cooperation. with many a great leader and renewed commitment to the promotion of ?

?The visit is a milestone in our existing relationships, ?, she said.

Bangladesh Prime Minister was received by Chancellor Merkel, when she, firm arrived.

Hasina was a red carpet reception as an intelligent turned from contingent of the German Empire it provided an honor guard given. National anthems of both countries were played at this time.

The Prime Minister introduced their cabinet colleague Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni and Minister of Health Dr. AFM Ruhal Haque of the Chancellor.

Hasina, WSSD, came up with a five day official visit to Berlin on health of the opportunity, with the Chancellor, one of the largest trading partner and a major development partner of Bangladesh in order taken.

In their discussion, the State and their admiration for each other Government reciprocated and together their worry and visions of various regional and global matters, including the fight against terrorism and climate change.

Bangladesh Prime Minister calls for still existing German economic cooperation with Bangladesh and improve German support in sustainable development projects.

The Chancellor has the Prime Minister its quality assurance program and infrastructure development offer the best collaboration in Bangladesh?s economic development.

Their you Markel for the signing of two joint declarations to facilitate ? one for cooperation in the field of health and the other for climate change extended Hasina.

She asked also to more investment and technology support in the renewable energy and infrastructure-building sector in Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister conveyed the Chancellor deep admiration of the people in Bangladesh for their creative role in the management of the Affairs of Germany and European issues at this moment of the global economic crisis.

Chancellor Merkel invited Hasina, at a convenient time to visit Bangladesh, they gladly accepted that.

Germany entrusted to the meantime Tuesday EUR 10.9 million as a grant to adaptation and mitigation programmes in Bangladesh against the hostile effects of climate change to implement.

The promise of Federal Minister for economic cooperation and development Dirk niebel was while signing a memorandum of understanding on ?Cooperation in the area of adaptation and reduction of Climate Change? at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski.

Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and Federal Minister for economic cooperation and development Dirk niebel signed a statement on behalf of the respective countries.

Also, the two countries concluded an another memorandum of understanding on ?Cooperation in the field of Health?.

Health Minister AFM Ruhal Haque and Parliamentary Secretary for health, Annette Widmann-Mauz signed letter for their respective countries.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina witnessed the signing of the two documents.

Ambassador at large M Ziya, Principal Secretary Sheikh wahed uz Zaman, PM?s spokesman Abul Kalam Azad and Bangladesh Ambassador to Germany Mosud Mannan, German Ambassador to Bangladesh Holger Michael and other high officials of the German Government were present. ?BSS, TREO

Source: daily-sun.com

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