DHAKA: Bangladesh is set to become the 26th partner of the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean), opening up a new window for constructive dialogue on issues of common concerns in the Asia Pacific region.

Bangladesh’s inclusion in the regional forum will take place on July 28 at the Asean Regional Forum’s (ARF) ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur, said the country’s foreign secretary on Monday.

The foreign minister, M Morshed Khan, will leave for Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday to attend the meeting, foreign secretary Hemayetuddin told reporters.

“Bangladesh’s presence in the ARF, along with that of India and Pakistan, will strengthen South Asia’s participation in the ARF process,” said the foreign secretary.

Bangladesh’s request for membership of the ARF was accepted in the 12th ministerial meeting held in Vientiane on July 29, 2005.