AMBASSADOR RICE'S INTRODUCTORY MEETING WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000118 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/10/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV EFIN KDEM BG SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR RICE'S INTRODUCTORY MEETING WITH BANGLADESH PR ISMAT JAHAN Classified By: AMBASSADOR SUSAN RICE, FOR REASONS 1.4 B/D ¶1. (C) Summary: On February 10, Ambassador Rice met with Bangladesh PermRep Ismat Jahan to discuss shared priorities in development, climate change, security and governance. Ambassadors Rice and Jahan agreed that these priorities were linked and that all countries, from least developed to most developed, needed to address them. Jahan said Bangladesh was neutral on the idea of bringing climate change to the Security Council, although she noted some countries were hesitant because of the lack of clarity regarding the idea, as well as the fear that those not members of the Security Council would lose their voice and influence on this issue. Bangladesh is chair of the 50-state group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). End summary. ¶2. (SBU) Jahan said the current economic crisis affecting the world,s economies hit the most vulnerable countries - like Bangladesh - the worst. Bangladesh,s export market and remittances from its citizens working in other countries have both declined. This affects not only Bangladesh,s economy, but its development, empowerment of women and its programs to alleviate poverty. She urged that the G20 take into account the views of Least Developed Countries during its upcoming meeting on the economic crisis. Ambassador Rice said the U.S. is committed to addressing development and poverty reduction as integrated elements of our foreign policy agenda. Security and development are clearly linked, and need to be addressed in tandem. ¶3. (SBU) Ambassador Rice noted that even if progress can be achieved in the connected areas of security, development and governance, climate change is a grave threat to this progress. Creative thinking must occur in order to address climate change while also pursuing improved security, development and governance. For example, renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power can be catalysts for addressing climate change while also aiding development. Jahan agreed, and said disaster management would be a good start. Technical and financial assistance is crucial in order to assist LDCs in adapting to climate change. ¶4. (C) Noting that Washington has made no decisions, Ambassador Rice asked if Bangladesh had any views regarding the Secretary-General,s proposed mini-summit on climate change in March. Jahan wondered if it would have any impact on the G20 meeting on the economic crisis, but thought this was unlikely because climate change would not be a major topic during the G20 meeting. Jahan had heard about this proposed mini-summit on climate change, but only in vague terms and therefore did not have any specific views about it. Ambassador Rice asked for Bangladesh,s position on bringing the issue of climate change to the Security Council, as proposed by the Pacific Small Island Developing States. Jahan said Bangladesh was neutral; neither openly supportive nor openly hostile. Some member-states were hesitant about this idea because it lacked clarity, said Jahan. In addition, states not part of the Security Council were wary of losing their voice in this issue, she added. Rice