21 November 2003 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople said that Bangladesh would support the RP-MILF peace talks and the country’s bid for observer status with the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC). This was the view shared to the Secretary by Bangladesh Foreign Minister Morshed Khan, who was on a three-day visit in the country this month.

Minister Khan cited the position of the OIC and Bangladesh that in respecting the territorial integrity of the Philippines and in line with Bangladesh’s policy of promoting a peaceful solution to the conflict in Mindanao, it would be best for the MILF to first reintegrate with Philippine society and then discuss their problems with the Philippine Government.
 
Minister Khan, who is a long-time friend of Secretary Ople, described his visit to the country as both a "sentimental journey as well as an official one."

As the Philippine Honorary Consul General to Bangladesh from 1971 to 1981, Mr. Khan tirelessly promoted Philippine-Bangladesh relations. He was then elected several times as a member of parliament before finally assuming the post of Foreign Minister. END.