The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Davos

The Netherlands has offered its assistance for water management in riverine Bangladesh as Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende called on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed here.

"We have offered our assistance for the water management in Bangladesh because of our expertise in the area" he told the reporters after meeting Dr Fakhruddin on the sideline of World Economic Forum at the conference venue on Friday.

During the talks, the Dutch Premier discussed issues on Bangladesh politics, upcoming polls, climate change, human rights and other bilateral issues. " We had a very fruitful meeting and discussed important issues," the Dutch Prime Minister appreciated reforms initiatives undertaken by the present caretaker government.

He conveyed his deep sympathy at the loss of life and property during the last cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh. Jan Peter recalled his last meeting with the Chief Adviser in New York in last September and hoped the bilateral relation between Dhaka-The Hague will be strengthened further in future.

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Bangladesh Ambassador to UN office in Geneva Dr Debapriya Bhattachariya and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim were present.

Earlier, ILO Director General Juan Somagia also called on Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at the same venue and discussed labour related issues.