DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will leave Dhaka on Monday for New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and is scheduled to address the General Debate on September 24, the Foreign Ministry said Sunday. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the prime minister’s address will outline the government’s positions on Bangladesh’s democratic transition and a range of national and global issues.

According to the Foreign Secretary, Tarique Rahman is expected to speak about the rule of law and accountability, global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development and economic cooperation. He is also expected to highlight youth and women’s empowerment, education and health, the Rohingya crisis, equitable access to modern technology and reform of the multilateral system.

The visit will mark Tarique Rahman’s first participation in the UN General Assembly as Bangladesh’s prime minister. It will also be the first appearance at the UN’s highest-level global forum by the incumbent government, according to the Foreign Secretary. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister is serving as president of the 81st General Assembly session, which officials described as an additional significance for the country’s participation this year.

Packed diplomatic schedule

Tarique Rahman’s official engagements are scheduled to begin on September 22 with a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for heads of state and government. He is also scheduled to attend the opening of the high-level segment and a reception hosted by the U.S. president for heads of state and government and their spouses.

On September 23, the prime minister is expected to meet representatives of international charitable and humanitarian organizations. He will also participate in a high-level meeting on global inequality and attend a meeting on climate action and a just transition.

The Rohingya crisis will be another major focus of the visit. At a side event on the crisis, Tarique Rahman is expected to call for greater international cooperation to facilitate the earliest possible repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. At climate-related meetings, Bangladesh is expected to emphasize issues including climate finance, adaptation, technology transfer, loss and damage, and climate justice.

Sea-level rise and maternal health

On September 24, the prime minister is scheduled to deliver opening remarks at a high-level UN meeting addressing the threats posed by sea-level rise. The United Nations has scheduled the high-level meeting for September 24 at its New York headquarters. The meeting will bring together world leaders and other stakeholders to discuss international cooperation and practical measures to address the growing impacts of rising sea levels, particularly on vulnerable coastal and low-lying countries.

Tarique Rahman is also scheduled to address a Bangladesh-hosted side event on maternal and newborn health and midwifery. He is expected to outline government initiatives concerning maternal and child health and emphasize the importance of trained midwifery services.

Bilateral meetings

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, the prime minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the crown prince of Kuwait and the prime ministers of Croatia, Bhutan, Thailand, Pakistan and Haiti. According to the Foreign Secretary, the meetings are expected to cover bilateral political and economic relations, trade and investment, development cooperation, the Rohingya crisis and other issues of mutual interest.

Tarique Rahman is also expected to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the president of the European Council, the president of the World Bank Group, the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy on Myanmar, and the UN high commissioners for refugees and human rights. He is additionally scheduled to meet the president of the International Peace Institute.

Focus on investment and economic diplomacy

Economic diplomacy will also feature during the visit, with meetings planned between the prime minister and senior representatives of Meta, Wall Street and other business organizations. The discussions are expected to focus on Bangladesh’s investment environment, manufacturing, infrastructure and technology, human-resource and skills development, and employment opportunities for young people.

The prime minister is scheduled to leave New York for Dhaka on the night of September 25. The Foreign Secretary said the government hopes the visit will help expand Bangladesh’s bilateral and multilateral cooperation and present its priorities to the international community.

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir was accorded a reception by BNP leaders and activists from the Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland areas. The reception was held on September 16 at the Comfort Inn in Springfield, Virginia. The event also included a preparatory meeting ahead of Nasir Uddin Nasir’s New York visit, with BNP leaders and activists from different levels in Washington, Virginia and Maryland taking part.

AJM Hossain, former general secretary of Greater Washington, D.C. BNP and a BNP leader, presided over the program. Former joint secretaries of Greater Washington, D.C. BNP Zakir Hossain Zakir and Mohammad Hossain moderated the event. Among those attending were Virginia BNP President Mohammad Zahir, General Secretary Tofail Ahmed, former vice president of Greater Washington, D.C. BNP and former general secretary of New Jersey BNP Shamsuddin Mahmud, former vice president Obaidul Haque Ovi, and former vice presidents Masudur Rahman, Harunur Rashid, Harun Bhuiyan, Elias Bhuiyan Liton and Munir Hossain.

A large number of BNP leaders and activists from the Greater Washington area also attended the reception, including Nur Mohammad Liton, Shahriar Rahman, Kamal Pasha, Faruk Hossain, Firoz Alam, Tayyubur Rahman, Md. Moktar Khan, Sohrab Hossain, Imam Hossain, Ibrahim Bhuiyan, Imran Bhuiyan, Laskar Sohel Rana, Al Amin Hawladar, Md. Abdul Kader Bacchu, Nurul Amin, Sanaul Haque Bhuiyan, Md. Nasim Ferdous, Riyad Hossain, Sumaiya Islam, Masud Rana, Ibrahim Khalil, Mahabubur Rahman, Belal Hossain, Md. Hossain (Biplob), Ahmed Islam Ripon, Sohel Hossain (Ripon), Zaker Hossain Mintu, Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Alam (Milon), Taslima Rahman, Jahanara Bhuiyan, Sabina Hossain Polly, Laila Jannat and Maksuda Bhuiyan Happy.

Also present were former chief election commissioner of Virginia BNP Abdul Qayyum, former president of Maryland BNP Nesar Ahmed, Virginia BNP leader Kamrun Nahar Kona, Maryland BNP leader Kabirul Islam, Maryland BNP Vice President Mizanur Rahman and Washington BNP Vice President Mosharraf Hossain, among others.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Nasir Uddin Nasir called on BNP leaders and activists to remain united and work to strengthen the party. He also urged expatriate Bangladeshis to focus on providing quality education and opportunities for the next generation.

Nasir said that late President Ziaur Rahman had worked throughout his life for the development of the people of Bangladesh. He also spoke about the contributions of the Zia family to the country and called on BNP supporters to work together to strengthen the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

In his presidential remarks, AJM Hossain said BNP leaders and activists from Washington, D.C., would remain actively engaged during Tarique Rahman’s New York visit. He urged party members to remain vigilant in the evolving political environment and said BNP activists in the Washington area would continue working together in the days ahead. The event concluded with participants welcoming Nasir Uddin Nasir to the United States and emphasizing greater coordination and participation among expatriate BNP leaders and activists.

New York — The US Awami League is scheduled to hold a press conference in New York at 8 p.m. on September 24, with Bangladesh Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expected to participate as the chief guest, according to the organization. The announcement was made by US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman during a torchlight procession and protest rally organized by the party at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, New York, on Saturday, September 19.

According to Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina will deliver what the organization described as a guideline-setting address on the future of Bangladesh. He also said she would make an important decision concerning her planned return to Bangladesh in December. Sheikh Hasina said in a Reuters interview published in July that she planned to return to Bangladesh in December, despite facing legal proceedings and a death sentence. She has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024.

Torchlight rally in Jackson Heights

The September 19 rally brought together leaders and activists from the US Awami League and its affiliated organizations, including the Jubo League, Sramik League, Swechchhasebak League, Mohila Awami League and Chhatra League. Participants chanted slogans including “Go back, go back, Tarique, Tarique” and “Step down, step down, Tarique, Tarique” during the procession and rally.

The program was chaired by US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman and moderated by the organization’s General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad. According to the organizers, the protest was held in response to court verdicts involving Sheikh Hasina and leaders of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations, the situation surrounding the lockdown in Dhaka, and the planned visit of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the United States.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Siddiqur Rahman said the US Awami League would organize protest and resistance programs wherever Tarique Rahman is present between September 21 and 25. He also called on Awami League supporters living in the United States to participate in programs organized by the US Awami League.

Sheikh Hasina’s planned December return

Sheikh Hasina has publicly said she intends to return to Bangladesh in December. In an interview with Reuters published in July, she said she planned to return from India despite the legal consequences she could face. In August, she again said she intended to return to Bangladesh and that the exact date would be announced when the time was appropriate, while indicating that she wanted the return to take place in December.

The issue has gained renewed attention following recent court proceedings involving former Awami League officials. On September 15, a Bangladesh tribunal sentenced seven former aides of Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia in cases connected to the 2024 crackdown, according to Al Jazeera. The report said the defendants were convicted of crimes including murder and inciting killings.

Political activity intensifies in New York

Tarique Rahman’s visit to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly has prompted increased political activity among Bangladeshis in the United States.

The US Awami League leadership said it has planned a series of demonstrations, protests and other programs in New York and elsewhere in the United States throughout the period of Tarique Rahman’s stay for the UN General Assembly. According to party leaders, Awami League supporters from different US states and other countries have begun arriving in the United States to participate in the planned programs.

The BNP’s US organization has also been holding programs ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit, including a “Meet the Press” event in New York, where the party called on expatriate Bangladeshis to support its activities surrounding the prime minister’s UNGA visit.

With competing political groups preparing separate programs around the UN General Assembly, the period is expected to bring increased political activity within the Bangladeshi-American community in New York.

The US Awami League says Sheikh Hasina’s September 24 address will focus on Bangladesh’s future and will include an announcement concerning her planned return to the country. The details of that announcement remain to be seen.

New York — Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to travel to New York on September 21 to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and is expected to deliver Bangladesh’s national statement on September 24. It will be his first address to the UN General Assembly as prime minister. Bangladesh’s government has said his visit will include high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements alongside participation in the UNGA.

Ahead of the visit, the US unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called on expatriate Bangladeshis in the United States to participate in programs surrounding the prime minister’s visit and support the government’s reconstruction and development initiatives. The appeal was made through a written statement issued at a “Meet the Press” program organized ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit to New York.

The event was attended by BNP Central International Affairs Secretary Anwar Hossain Khokon, BNP Executive Committee members Abdul Latif Samrat, Zillur Rahman Zillu, Gias Ahmed, Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan Milton, Sharafat Hossain Babu, Kamal Pasha Babul, Anwar Hossain, Niaz Ahmed Jewel, Anwarul Islam, Akhter Hossain Badal, Kazi Azam, Firoz Alam, Sabur Khan, Mosharraf Hossain Sobuj, Gias Uddin, Shah Alam, Saidul Haque, Zahirul Islam Molla, Jasim Bhuiyan, Syeda Mahmuda Shirin, Golam Faruk Shahin, Shafiqul Rahman Dulal, Syed A.R. Faruk, Baset Rahman, Dr. Abdus Sabur, Shahjahan Sheikh, Nur Mohammad, Rafiqul Islam, Faruk Hossain Majumdar, Rafiqul Islam Dalim, Syed Morshedul Hasan Reza, Mohammad Mohsin, Mazharul Islam Miru, Golam Haider Mukut, Mohammad Masud Rana and Zakir Howlader, among others.

Bangladesh holds UNGA presidency

The written statement described Bangladesh’s participation in the 81st UN General Assembly as significant for the country. It also highlighted the election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st session of the General Assembly. Khalilur Rahman was elected on June 2, 2026, defeating Cyprus’s Andreas Kakouris by 99 votes to 91 in a secret-ballot election. The 81st session opened on September 8, and Rahman is serving a one-year term as president of the General Assembly.

The United Nations has identified the theme of the 81st session as “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The US BNP statement noted that Bangladesh’s presidency of the General Assembly comes four decades after former Foreign Minister Humayun Rashid Chowdhury served as president of the 41st session in 1986-87.

Appeal to expatriate Bangladeshis

According to the statement, Tarique Rahman’s participation in the UN General Assembly will provide an opportunity to present Bangladesh’s democratic transition, development priorities and future plans before the international community. The US BNP also emphasized the role of expatriate Bangladeshis in the country’s reconstruction and development, particularly through investment, expertise, experience and international connections.

The statement called on expatriate Bangladeshis to contribute to the country’s development and remain cautious about what the party described as misinformation and propaganda concerning Bangladesh. The party also expressed condolences to the families of those killed during last year’s political unrest and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The figures and descriptions regarding the unrest contained in the BNP statement represent the party’s claims.

Government initiatives highlighted

The statement also highlighted several initiatives attributed to the government, including Krishak Card, Family Card and Sports Card programs. It said a Probashi Card would also be introduced for Bangladeshi expatriates. The US BNP said expatriate Bangladeshis are an important part of the country’s development and stressed the importance of utilizing their investment, skills and international networks.

BNP leaders and affiliated organizations in North America are also preparing various programs around Tarique Rahman’s New York visit. According to the party, a rally and other programs are being planned near the United Nations headquarters on September 24. Meanwhile, New York is preparing for the arrival of world leaders and senior government representatives for the 81st UN General Assembly. The UNGA high-level week will bring delegations from countries around the world to New York.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to leave Dhaka for New York on September 21 and deliver his first UN General Assembly address on September 24. According to current reports, he is expected to leave New York on September 25 after completing his UNGA engagements.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to the United States to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly has been shortened. At the same time, a large civic reception planned in his honor in New York will no longer take place, according to multiple sources.

Under the initial itinerary, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was scheduled to arrive in New York on September 21, remain in the city for several days and then travel to San Francisco, California, on September 26. During his stay in New York, he was scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 24. BNP leaders and activists in the United States were also preparing for a civic reception planned for September 25.

Several reports published earlier this month said preparations were underway for the reception at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Manhattan. However, Tarique Rahman’s US itinerary was subsequently revised. According to the latest reports, he is scheduled to arrive in New York on the evening of September 21 and return to Bangladesh on September 25. As a result, the large reception previously planned for September 25 will not be held in his presence.

Four-Day New York Visit

Citing Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, reports said Tarique Rahman will take part in various programs in New York from September 22 to 25. He is scheduled to deliver Bangladesh’s statement at the UN General Assembly on September 24 before returning home on September 25.

Earlier plans had reportedly included a longer stay in the United States, with Tarique Rahman expected to remain in the country until September 29 or 30 and visit San Francisco. The San Francisco leg has since been dropped as the overall trip was shortened.

Reports citing relevant sources said reducing state expenditure and managing the schedule were among the considerations behind the decision to shorten the visit.

Why Was the Reception Cancelled?

Several explanations have appeared in media reports regarding the cancellation of the reception. One of the key points reported is that Tarique Rahman was not interested in attending a large civic reception financed with government funds.

A report by a Bangladeshi national daily, citing Gias Ahmed, former senior vice-president of BNP USA, said discussions had taken place regarding a reception organized by the Bangladesh Consulate in New York. According to Ahmed, Tarique Rahman did not want such an event to be financed with public funds. Party leaders subsequently proposed arranging the event through their own funding.

Meanwhile, other reports said preparations had been underway for a party-organized event at the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan on September 25. Since Tarique Rahman is now scheduled to return to Bangladesh that day, the reception cannot be held in his presence.

Claim of Tk 500 Million in Savings

Some reports have claimed that cancelling the reception will save approximately Tk 50 million ($5 crore). However, the figure has not been consistently confirmed across media reports.

While some reports have cited savings of around Tk 50 million, another report put the estimated cost of the proposed government reception at approximately $250,000. There have also been claims that a party-funded event could have involved additional expenses.

Therefore, the claim that the cancellation will result in an exact saving of Tk 50 million should not be presented as confirmed government information. What can be stated more cautiously is that reducing state expenditure has been cited in several reports as one of the considerations behind shortening the prime minister’s US visit. Reports have also indicated that he does not want a large reception funded by public money.

Possibility of a Party Welcome

While a large civic reception financed or organized through government arrangements is reportedly no longer going ahead, some BNP leaders in the United States have expressed interest in welcoming the prime minister through party or privately funded initiatives.

Citing Gias Ahmed, reports said the previously planned reception cannot take place in Tarique Rahman’s presence because he is scheduled to leave for Bangladesh on September 25. Ahmed also indicated that there could be an opportunity for Tarique Rahman to meet local BNP leaders that day.

The clearest information at this stage is that the large-scale formal civic reception planned in New York is not going ahead in the presence of Tarique Rahman. This does not necessarily mean that all party or diaspora activities surrounding his visit have been cancelled.

Main Focus of the US Visit

The primary purpose of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s US visit is to represent Bangladesh at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to the latest reports, he will arrive in New York on September 21 and participate in a number of high-level programs. He is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 24.

In addition to the UN General Assembly, meetings with heads of government and other international representatives have also been reported as possible components of his itinerary. However, the full list and schedule of such meetings have not yet been finalized, according to reports citing the prime minister’s press secretary.

Overall, Tarique Rahman’s upcoming US visit is significantly shorter than initially planned. His main activities in New York will center on the UN General Assembly, while the cancellation of the planned large civic reception has generated discussion among Bangladeshis living in the United States.

Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged US-based global energy company Chevron to increase its investment in exploring new gas fields in Bangladesh to strengthen the country’s energy security and meet growing domestic demand.

The prime minister made the call on Sunday (September 13) during a meeting with a high-level Chevron delegation led by Javier La Rosa, president of Base Assets and Emerging Countries, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Bangladesh Secretariat.

Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Swadhin confirmed the matter.

According to him, the meeting focused on investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s energy sector, particularly increasing Chevron’s investment in existing and mature gas fields as well as exploring new gas fields in the country.

The discussions also covered ways to expand investment in Bangladesh’s energy sector to help ensure a stable supply of natural gas amid rising demand.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister’s Adviser for Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Power and Energy Anindya Islam Amit, Chevron Bangladesh President and Managing Director Xu Xiong, and other senior officials concerned.

Mujib Rahman, Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will leave for the United States on September 21 to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Foreign Affairs State Minister Humayun Kabir said on Sunday. Speaking to reporters at the Foreign Ministry on September 13, Kabir said the prime minister would remain in New York until September 26.

“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will leave for the United States on September 21 to attend the UN General Assembly,” Kabir said. “During the visit, he will present Bangladesh’s new vision and priorities on the global stage.”

The state minister said the prime minister is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders during his stay in New York, alongside a number of important sideline meetings.

“Along with presenting Bangladesh’s vision to the international community, discussions will also focus on a range of issues concerning the country’s national interests,” Kabir said.

Asked whether Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would meet US President Donald Trump during his New York visit, Kabir said the prime minister’s primary purpose was to attend the UN General Assembly and deliver his address.

“There will be some meetings on the sidelines. Such meetings are often decided at the very last moment,” he said.

“Donald Trump has said that he wants to meet the prime minister. When he goes there, we will inform you about whom he meets or holds discussions with. There will be nothing secret about it, and you will be informed,” Kabir added. The state minister also said a special sideline meeting on resolving the Rohingya crisis is expected to be organized during the prime minister’s visit to the United States.

“The Rohingya issue will receive significant attention in the prime minister’s meetings with world leaders,” Kabir said.

DHAKA: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said the government is committed to protecting human rights and ensuring that no citizen is detained or imprisoned unjustly because of political affiliation or vendetta.

“The government will definitely ensure that no one is unjustly imprisoned or detained due to political vendetta,” she told journalists at the foreign ministry on Wednesday.

Shama said the government’s commitment to due process and fundamental rights extends to supporters of all political parties, including opposition parties and the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned.

“No party, be it the opposition party, Awami League, or any party, the current government will definitely ensure that no one is unjustly imprisoned or detained due to political vendetta,” she said.

The State Minister alleged that Bangladesh had experienced widespread human rights violations over the past 17 years, saying BNP leaders and activists were among the major victims.

“The kind of human rights that have been violated in Bangladesh in the last 17 years has never been violated in the history of Bangladesh,” she said.

“The biggest victim is the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, its leaders and activists,” she added.

Shama said the government would not allow a return to what she described as the country’s previous “fascist era” and would work to protect the fundamental rights of every citizen.

“We will never want the past fascist era to return now or in the future. We want all human rights to be ensured to every citizen,” she said.

She said the government has a responsibility to protect citizens’ rights and ensure that the justice system is not used for political revenge.

“Our government’s stand is that we are trying to protect human rights. We are responsible to the people,” she said.

Bangladesh policy guides foreign relations

Turning to foreign policy, Shama said Bangladesh’s approach is focused on protecting national interests while maintaining balanced and respectful relations with all countries.

“Our foreign policy is first and foremost a ‘Bangladesh policy’… with equal rights with everyone and maintaining our own interests with respect,” she said.

She said the elected government’s political mandate had strengthened Bangladesh’s position in negotiations with international partners.

“When Bangladesh is talking, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh is talking, then all the other stakeholders including China are listening to our words with more attention, more seriously,” she said.

“Now that Bangladesh is an elected government, we have a stronger position in our negotiation space,” she added.

Rohingya crisis requires political solution

On the Rohingya crisis, Shama said Bangladesh would use its strengthened diplomatic position to encourage greater international engagement and push for a lasting political solution.

“The matter is absolutely a political problem, it is a very sensitive matter and we need to solve this problem politically,” she said.

She said Bangladesh remains engaged in both official and unofficial communication with various stakeholders in Myanmar as part of efforts to resolve the crisis.

“We are trying to involve the international community more,” she said, referring to a high-level UN session on the Rohingya crisis scheduled for September, which Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to attend.

Bangladesh will also explore whether greater involvement from the Muslim world could help increase pressure on Myanmar and create momentum towards a solution, she said.

According to Shama, the crisis has become increasingly complex since the massive influx of Rohingyas into Bangladesh began in 2017, particularly because of Myanmar’s changing political and security landscape.

She pointed to the emergence of the Arakan Army and other actors in Rakhine State, as well as growing security concerns along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, including human smuggling and drug trafficking.

Shama said it was difficult to determine the exact number of Rohingyas currently living in Bangladesh because of continued arrivals and births in the camps.

“We don’t know the exact number right now, but it will definitely be over 1.3 million,” she said, adding that an estimated 30,000 children are born in the camps each year.

She said Chinese President Xi Jinping had expressed Beijing’s willingness to cooperate with Bangladesh in finding a solution to the Rohingya crisis during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China.

Shama also questioned the effectiveness of existing arrangements for resolving the crisis without stronger involvement from the United Nations and other major international stakeholders.

She said Bangladesh could gain additional diplomatic leverage from Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman’s upcoming role as President of the UN General Assembly.

“From that place, we have a power to speak for Bangladesh in the international community. We think that at least in the next year, we will be able to use this capacity a little better,” she said.

Shama reiterated that Bangladesh would continue to pursue a “Bangladesh policy” in its international relations, protecting national interests while maintaining ties with other countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect.