John Kerry calls Momen to discuss climate change issue

Online Desk:  United States special presidential envoy for climate John Kerry called Bangladesh foreign minister AK Abdul Momen over telephone to discuss the global issue of climate change and the possible US-Bangladesh collaboration regarding it, said a foreign ministry press release on Wednesday.

During the conversation, the foreign minister expressed the satisfaction of the government of Bangladesh for the appointment of Kerry as presidential envoy.

He recollected the vital contribution of Kerry towards the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and welcomed the decision of the US government to return to the Paris Agreement.

He described all the actions taken by the government of Bangladesh under the leadership of prime minister Sheikh Hasina on mitigation, adaptation and measures to strengthen resilience.

He also briefed all the current and future actions of CVF and the GCA Dhaka office.

Kerry recognised the extraordinary challenges faced by Bangladesh due to climate change and frequent natural disasters.

He mentioned that the next COP26 might be the last chance to hit the target and assured his country’s firm engagement to achieve it.

He conveyed his greetings to prime minister Sheikh Hasina and assured the continued support of the US government for different sectors and issues including the Rohingya crisis.

He agreed that international financial institutions could do more for the issue of climate change.

He also opined that many countries were not responsible enough when it came to adequate mitigation and adaptation issues and their part of the contribution.

He agreed with the foreign minister that displacement due to climate change would be a vital security issue for everybody and expressed his interest to be updated about the functions and priorities of the CVF and GCA.

Both of the leaders agreed to work closely through COP26 and other multilateral platforms.