Wednesday, May 08, 2024
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury has held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia's Chief Climate Negotiator Khalid M Almehaid on the side-lines of the Petersburg Climate Dialogue held in Berlin.
The meeting held on Thursday underscored the commitment of both nations to work together in addressing pressing climate challenges and advancing the global climate agenda, reports BSS quoting a message.
Saber and Almehaid exchanged views on key climate issues such as renewable energy and climate adaptation strategies.
The minister reiterated Bangladesh's unwavering dedication to ambitious climate action, highlighting the country's significant strides in renewable energy development and climate resilience efforts.
He emphasised the importance of international cooperation and collective action in achieving the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Saudi Chief Negotiator Almehaid commended Bangladesh's proactive approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation, acknowledging the nation's leadership in championing sustainable development practices.
He expressed Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening collaboration with Bangladesh and other nations to address the interconnected challenges induced by climate change.
The bilateral meeting served as a testament to the shared commitment of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia to advancing the global climate agenda and fostering sustainable development for present and future generations.
On the side-lines of the Petersburg Climate Dialogue, Bangladesh Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain received an invitation letter from Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chief Negotiator of Azerbaijan Yalchin Rafiyev to participate in COP-29.
Besides, he held meetings with delegates of Egypt, Denmark, Presidents of COP-28 and COP-29 and the German State Secretary.
Double support for climate adaptation
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury has said the decision taken previously to double support for climate adaptation activities should be implemented.
"Bangladesh needs international support for full implementation of the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan, National Adaptation Plan and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)," he said while addressing the Petersburg Climate Dialogue held in Berlin, Germany.
The Bangladesh environment minister highlighted the views of least developed and developing countries, including Bangladesh, on important issues related to climate finance to be discussed at the upcoming COP 29.
He emphasised establishing mutual trust and confidence in UN climate change negotiations.
Stressing the imperative of fulfilling all previous commitments and prioritising science in all efforts to address climate change, Saber Hossain called upon all nations, particularly developed ones and those with the capacity, to unite in their efforts to achieve the Paris Climate Agreement's target of limiting global temperature rise within 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Saber’s address drew significant interest from ministers representing around 40 countries attending the Petersburg Climate Dialogue, with many expressing support for his perspectives.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev along with ministerial delegates from 40 nations attended the Petersburg Climate Dialogue.
In addition, Saber Hossain held bilateral meetings with various dignitaries, including the COP28 and COP29 presidents, Saudi Arabia's Chief Climate Negotiator Khalid M Almehaid, State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action of German Federal Foreign Office Jennifer Lee Morgan, State Secretary of the German Federal Chancellery Dr Jorg Kukies, and representatives of Egypt and Denmark on the side-lines of the Petersburg Climate Dialogue.
