Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman. File Photo

DHAKA, April 10, 2026 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has arrived 
in Port Louis to attend the ninth Indian Ocean Conference, where he is 
expected to hold bilateral meetings and seek support for Bangladesh's UNGA 
presidency bid.

The conference, beginning on Friday in the Mauritian capital, will bring 
together leaders, policymakers and experts from across the Indian Ocean 
region to discuss regional cooperation, shared responsibilities and future 
governance frameworks.

"On the sidelines, the foreign minister is expected to hold meetings with his 
counterparts from participating countries," a senior foreign ministry 
official said, adding that Dhaka will also use the platform to seek support 
for Bangladesh's candidature for the presidency of the 81st United Nations 
General Assembly (2026-27).

Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir is accompanying the 
foreign minister during the visit.

The conference is being organised by the India Foundation in association with 
the Government of Mauritius and India's Ministry of External Affairs.

Dr Rahman travelled to Mauritius after concluding a series of meetings in New 
Delhi on Wednesday, where he held talks with senior Indian leaders.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is also attending the 
conference and is scheduled to deliver the keynote address. 

Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal will also address the event at 
Jaishankar's invitation.

Launched in 2016, the Indian Ocean Conference has emerged as a key platform 
bringing together representatives from around 30 countries to deliberate on 
issues of mutual interest and regional cooperation.