Bangladesh, US can collaborate for effective climate action: Momen

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said Bangladesh and the United States have the opportunity to work together to realise a number of long-term, ambitious initiatives for effective climate action.

He made this remark yesterday following his bilateral meeting with John Kerry, the US President’s Special Envoy on Climate, a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today.

The two leaders discussed a wide range of cooperation issues at a bilateral meeting held on the side-lines of the Munich Security Conference running on its second day yesterday.

They discussed the possibility of growth in renewable energy in Bangladesh in line with the country’s requirement to generate an additional 4,000 MW of energy from renewable sources to meet its target of 40% within its energy mix.

Momen urged the G7 to support Bangladesh and other climate vulnerable countries with cost-effective technologies for transition to green energy.

Kerry talked about the potential of nuclear modular plants that are currently being tested in the US.

Foreign Minister also sought the US’ support in developing skill sets for creating job opportunities in the renewable energy sector and solar energy-driven equipment operations.

Kerry took interest in the project envisaged for heightening and widening embankments with afforestation and renewable energy generation capacity along Bangladesh’s coastal belt.

He assured of facilitating the US’ support in conducting the initial feasibility study for the purpose.

Momen appreciated Kerry’s emphasis on taking a science-based approach to climate action with a matter of urgency while Kerry expressed interest in enhancing the US’ engagement with other climate vulnerable countries.

The US Presidential Envoy invited Bangladesh to join the Global Methane Pledge as a means to benefit from support for reducing emissions from solid waste, among other sectors.

The two leaders also talked about the recent sanctions imposed by the US on the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and some of its former and current officials.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Germany Md Mosharraf Hossain Bhuyian was present at the meeting.