The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury Sunday said the relationship between Bangladesh and the UK constitute a "partnership for which both sides are proud."

He made the remark while commenting on the outcome of the visit by British Foreign Secretary David Miliband to Bangladesh. The Foreign Adviser said: "Recently, we have had two Cabinet-level visits from the UK-from Development Cooperation Minister Douglas Alexander and Foreign Minister David Miliband, one following the other. I had held meetings with both in Kampala and invited them to come."

He added: "I had also traveled to London and met with Mr. Miliband's predecessor, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett. Meantime, we have hosted many British Members of Parliament including Parliamentary Secretaries. These interactions have cemented this partnership." "In addition," Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury said, "we've a very large diaspora residing in the UK. They comprise both British-Bangladeshis and NRBs. They constitute a significant economic and emotional bridge between Bangladesh and Britain and both countries are proud of those linkages."

There are many other elements that connect "our two countries and societies," he said. "These involve common values, the English language and shared ideals that lead us to take similar positions on the international stage on such issues as Climate Change, development, and global peace and security."

The Foreign Adviser stated that several joint activities to bring these relationships into a framework of partnership are being planned.

This is not confined to governments only, he underscored, but involves the two peoples as well, he added, "and spreads across past, present and future."