Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the return of the United States to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change will give a new impetus to climate change diplomacy. The Prime Minister made the remarks during a courtesy call on John Kerry, the US President's Special Envoy for Climate Change, at Ganobhaban on Friday afternoon.
After the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters. In a meeting with the Prime Minister, John Kerry said that if Bangladesh wants, they can also vaccinate Bangladesh with Covid-19. Because in the United States, there will be a surplus of vaccines in mid-summer.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina thanked US President Joe Biden for inviting her to attend the Virtual Leaders Conference to be held on April 22 and 23. John Kerry also thanked the Prime Minister for accepting the invitation.
The US special envoy emphasized the importance of using alternative energy sources, including hydropower, solar power and renewable energy, to reduce the risk of pollution. He said U.S. companies are interested in partnering with others to invest in the renewable energy sector.
John Kerry added that the United States would provide 2 million in addition to the 1 million in the Green Climate Fund.
Kerry also praised the role of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in the issue of climate change.
The Prime Minister said those who are not emitters (carbon) and whose contribution to emissions is negligible, will also be affected along with the risky countries.
Mentioning the need for energy for the development of the country, Sheikh Hasina said she has talked with India, Bhutan and Nepal to set up hydropower plants on bilateral or tripartite basis on a regional basis. There are 5.6 million solar connections in the country, he said, adding that solar energy is needed for irrigation.
Sheikh Hasina further said that her government has set up Climate Trust Fund along with other initiatives to deal with the adverse effects of climate change.
Besides, the Prime Minister said about 11.5 million saplings have already been planted across the country at the initiative of the government and her party leaders and workers have also planted 10 million other trees.
The Prime Minister presented to John Kerry a book on Bangabandhu's prison diary and unfinished autobiography (English version) and a book on the Secret Documents of Intelligence Branch on Father of the Nation, Bangladesh: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman series.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, Chief Secretary Ahmed Kaikaus and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R. Miller were present on the occasion.
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