Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen paid a courtesy call on Senior Minister and In-charge of Special Mission (Islamic Affairs) of Cambodia, Oknha Datuk Dr. Othsman Hassan, in Phnom Penh yesterday, during his three-day visit to Cambodia to attend the 29th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

During the meeting, Momen apprised the Minister about the Bangladesh’s long established tradition of liberal, moderate and tolerant religious way of life that conditioned an environment of non-communal peaceful coexistence by the followers of different faiths. He also stated that religious harmony is the motto of our Prime Minister.

He further added that our Father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a devoted Muslim and he established many Muslim institutions.

Momen underscored that Bangladesh is a Muslim majority country where 90% of her people are Muslims. Secularism is a state principle firmly enshrined in the constitution of the country.

He highlighted that Bangladesh maintains a policy of ‘zero tolerance’ towards all forms of terrorism. He stressed that the people from Buddhist Religion are happy in our country.

In response, Hassan informed that 93% of Cambodian people are Buddhists, 5% are Muslims and 2% are the believers of other religions.

He further added that they have Muslim members of the Parliament.

The Cambodian Senior Minister sought the support of Bangladesh in becoming a member of OIC.

He also sought support from Bangladesh for agricultural machineries for their mills.

The two Ministers also discussed on the issues of Rohingya repatriation, trade &  investment, agriculture, aquaculture & fisheries, youth & cultural exchange programs etc.

Momen requested for Cambodia’s support in expediting Bangladesh’s bid for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner (SDP).

He also invited the Cambodian Senior Minister to visit Bangladesh at a date of mutual convenience and the latter readily accepted the invitation.