The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Kuala Lumpur

Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury on Sunday said that at least three major proposals made by the Bangladesh delegation have been included in the draft declaration that the D-8 is expected to issue at the end of the current Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

"These have to do with the rights of migrant workers, the recognition of Climate Change as a major threat to all including D-8 countries, and the establishment of a food bank by the group, all these of which are of major interest to Bangladesh", the foreign adviser said.

He added that the Foreign Ministers of the D-8 are yet to agree on the Preferential Trade Agreement.

"Some differences still remain, which will have to be worked out. We would like decisions to be on the basis of consensus. I am sure we will be able to reach agreement on this as well," Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury stated.

"The D-8 is a significant grouping of eight of the largest Muslim-majority developing courtiers. If we can work together, and I am sure we can, we may be able to emerge as a significant force in international politics, " the Foreign Adviser remarked.

The Heads of government for the summit are scheduled to arrive in Kula Lumpur tomorrow. The Bangladesh delegation to the summit will be led by Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed.