BANGLADESH ATTENDING ARF DISASTER MANAGEMENT

UNCLAS DHAKA 000843 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/RSP - KEVIN SHEIVES E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ARF EAID MARR SUBJECT: BANGLADESH ATTENDING ARF DISASTER MANAGEMENT DIALOGUE REF: STATE 86139 - DEMARCHE INSTRUCTIONS Bangladesh to Attend ARF -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Poloff discussed the upcoming ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Disaster Relief Meeting with Samina Naz, Americas Division Director at the Foreign Ministry (MFA). Samina said the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) was very interested in attending. She informed us that the GOB intended to send three representatives to the dialogue, one representative each from the MFA, the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (MFDM),and the Armed Forces Division (AFD). Funding Assistance Requested -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Post request funding assistance for the three representatives. We are waiting for the MFA to provide the names of the attending officials. The MFA, MFDM and AFD have the primary responsibility to respond to natural disasters affecting Bangladesh. The three representatives would bring to the table recent experience on responding to major natural disasters as well as implementing mitigation strategies. Post recommends funding the delegation's travels. The estimated costs per person: Airfare - 2,850USD Per Diem - 218USD/day (Bangkok - two nights) Per Diem - 283USD/day (Oahu - five Days) MORIARTY