Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo held a courtesy meeting with Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari on September 6at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed various aspects of the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Nepal, with particular emphasis on environmental protection, climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of forests and natural resources, and regional environmental cooperation.
Minister Mintoo expressed deep condolences over the recent tragic accident in Nepal and conveyed sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives. He wished a speedy recovery for those injured and said Bangladesh stands beside the government and people of Nepal during this difficult time.
The minister said that although Bangladesh and Nepal face different climate-related risks, their ecosystems are closely interconnected. Changes in Himalayan snow and glaciers, river-basin ecosystems, excessive rainfall, floods and other climate-induced disasters have wider impacts on South Asia’s environment and people’s livelihoods.
Ahead of the upcoming COP31, he stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation, knowledge and experience sharing, and joint initiatives to address these common challenges.
