Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: A New Horizon of Opportunity
Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) organized its July Roundtable discussion on the topic, ‘Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: A New Horizon of Opportunity’, at the Westin, Dhaka. The discussion was moderated by BIPSS President ANM Muniruzzaman, ndc, psc, (retd). High Commissioner for Canada in Bangladesh H.E. Dr Lilly Nicholls gave the opening remarks at the event. The expert speakers of the roundtable were Former Foreign Secretary Md. Touhid Hossain and Assistant Professor Parvez Karim Abbasi, Department of Economics, East-West University.The discussion was attended by ambassadors and senior diplomats based in Dhaka, government officials, defence personnel, academics, editors, journalists, scholars and students.
H.E. Lilly Nicholls highlighted the importance of a peaceful Indo-Pacific, shared commitment to maritime security, and the potential for cooperation between Bangladesh and Canada in various areas. As mutual interests come first in international arena, Md. Touhid Hossain explained that sticking to the principles and long-term interests is what matters. Parvez Karim Abbasi also critically covered the China factor in Indo-Pacific Strategy which is getting increasingly important in this Indo-Pacific region.
The roundtable ended with lively interactive session with the participants where they discussed visa-related concerns, security and other bilateral issues.
