The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Finland, having world's best expertise in meteorological forecasts, is to cooperate with Bangladesh in meteorology to enhance the country's capacity to handle natural disasters.

The cooperation was extended yesterday by Ambassador Asko Numminen of Finland during a meeting with the Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekahar Ahmed Chowdhury.

Chowdhury appreciated the idea, saying that Bangladesh would be happy to work together with Finland on this.

Ambassador Numminen praised the government for the handling of cyclone Sidr and its consequences.

He showed keen interest in Bangladesh's development programme, including the proposed mega-projects for Southern Bangladesh to withstand natural calamities.

The Ambassador lauded Bangladesh's role in the international forums, particularly in peace-keeping and peace-building.

The Foreign Adviser said Bangladesh and Finland had many shared values, and complemented the government on adopting the law setting up a National Human Rights Commission.

"Bangladesh values its relationship with Finland, as she does with other Scandinavian countries. We want to build these connections into an effective partnership for global peace and development," Chowdhury said.