BD sees economic benefits from Iran nuke deal
Dhaka: Bangladesh sees economic benefits through enhanced trade and commerce in the coming days if the historic accord to significantly limit Tehran’s nuclear ability for over a decade in return for lifting international oil and financial sanctions is implemented.
‘Yes, our trade and commerce and communication will get a boost once the accord is implemented,’ Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque told a small group of reporters at his office on Wednesday.
In some cases, he said, Bangladesh cannot do business because of UN sanctions, and the lifting of sanctions will ease trade and commerce. ‘Let the sanctions be lifted first.’
Earlier, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Pierre Mayaudon and other EU representatives (UK, Germany, France) including France Ambassador to Bangladesh Sophie Aubert met the Foreign Secretary and discussed various aspects of the accord.
‘They came to inform us about various aspects of the accord and when sanctions will be withdrawn,’ said the Foreign Secretary adding the EU countries ‘appreciated’ the press statement issued by the Bangladesh government on the accord.
After the meeting with Foreign Secretary Pierre Mayaudon told UNB that the meeting was an outreach relating to conclusion of nuclear talks which is a tradition. ‘It’s an important milestone and we explained it.’
On 14 July, Iran and a group of six nations, led by the United States, reached the historic accord.
The deal culminates 20 months of negotiations on an agreement that US President Barack Obama had long sought as the biggest diplomatic achievement of his presidency.
Bangladesh welcomed the deal between world powers and Iran, aiming to curb the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief against it.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was concluded by E3/EU+3 (China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the UK, the USA and the EU) and Iran in Vienna.
A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry here on Thursday last says Bangladesh has always maintained that the issue be resolved peacefully through dialogue and congratulates all parties for the successful completion of negotiations.
‘Bangladesh firmly believes in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy,’ it said.
Bangladesh hopes that implementation of the JCPOA would contribute towards peace, stability and well-being of the peoples in the region, it said.