Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- The United Kingdom has assured Bangladesh that development cooperation would become stronger and flow of assistance would increase in the years ahead.
The assurance came when Foreign Minister Dipu Moni had an hour-long meeting with her British Counterpart William Hague on Wednesday at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, a foreign ministry press statement said.
William Hague reiterated Britain’s continued strong partnership in combating climate change and said Britain would work hand in hand with Bangladesh towards a satisfactory outcome from the next round of global negotiations in Cancun and beyond.
The two leaders agreed on intensifying exchange of high level visits to pave the way for further engagement in promoting trade, investment and economic relations.
The British foreign secretary appreciated Bangladesh’s role in the global peacekeeping operations and pledged Britain’s support to uphold the role.
On a question of the ongoing trial of war crimes in Bangladesh, Dipu Moni underscored the strong resolve of the government of Bangladesh to end the culture of impunity, establish rule of law and bring back accountability in the governance.
William Hague, in reply, stated that his country supported the trial of war criminals in principle.
The discussion covered all aspects of bilateral relations. The British foreign secretary described Bangladesh as one of the most important development partners and a frontline country in Britain’s quest to see global climate justice.
He appreciated the role Bangladesh in a wide range of issues which benefits not only the two countries but the international community as a whole.
He said the British government considered trade and economic relations as cornerstones of bilateral diplomacy.
BBN/SSR/AD-25Aug10-11:59 pm (BST)
