US special presidential envoy for climate John Kerry has made a telephone call to foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen to discuss global issue of climate change and the possible US-Bangladesh collaboration regarding it.

During the conversation last night, the foreign minister recalled the vital contribution of Kerry towards the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and welcomed the decision of the US to return to the accord, a foreign ministry press release said here.

Momen referred to the time tested US-Bangladesh relations and expressed Bangladesh government’s satisfaction over the appointment of Kerry as presidential envoy.

He described all the actions taken by the Bangladesh government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on mitigation, adaptation and measures to strengthen resilience.

He also briefed all the current and future actions of Bangladesh chaired (Climate Vulnerable Forum) CVF and the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) Dhaka office.

Kerry recognized the extraordinary challenges faced by Bangladesh due to climate change and frequent natural disasters.

He mentioned that the next COP26 might be the last chance to hit the target and assured US’ firm engagement to achieve it.

He conveyed his greetings to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and assured the continued support of the US for various sectors and issues including the Rohingya crisis.

The presidential envoy agreed that the international financial institutions could do more for the issue of climate change.

He also opined that many countries were not responsible enough when it came to adequate mitigation and adaptation issues and their part of contribution.

He also agreed with the foreign minister that displacement due to climate change would be a vital security issue for everybody.

He emphasized using the current opportunities to maximize inclusion for as many people as possible.

Both of them agreed to work closely at COP26 and other multilateral platforms.

TH