The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

he visit of the Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed to UK would result in "wider and deeper Bangladesh-British cooperation across a wide range of subjects."

Adviser for foreign affairs Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, said prior to his departure from London for home yesterday, according to a message received here on Thursday.

Speaking to the media as the delegation was concluding its visit to London he observed, "The two fold purpose of the visit was to strengthen political and economic links to a major global power the United Kingdom and also to interact with the Bangladeshi community in Britain with a view to addressing some of their problems."

"The discussions with Prime Minister Gordon Brown were most productive," added the foreign adviser who was present at the meeting.

"They discussed both bilateral relations and cooperation on the international stage." As to the topics covered, the foreign adviser mentioned "British support for Bangladesh election process, problems faced by Bangladeshi caterers in the UK, bilateral trade with Britain and investments in Bangladesh, Climate Change, reforms of international institutions, structural impediments faced by LDCs, and save others."

Also present at the Downing Street meeting were Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK, Shafi U Ahmed, press secretary to the chief adviser Syed Fahim Ahmed and political counsellor Saida Muna Tasneem.

He said "there was genuine warmth in the dialogue between the inter locators, and a recognition of shared values and mutual need. The two governments issued a joint statement following the meeting, an agreed document that reflected the areas of agreed future cooperation.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury said apart from the meeting with the Prime Minister, the chief adviser also received the UK minister for development cooperation, Douglas Alexander in his hotel suite Tuesday and discussed mainly bilateral cooperation and post-Sidr reconstruction. Also the subject of British support to set up a catering institute in Bangladesh came up.

"There were several interactions with the community including the local Bangladeshi media at a 'Meet the Bangla Media' event at the high commission, and these helped resolve some outstanding issues, including that of dual citizenship almost immediately," Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury further stated.

"Bangladesh and the UK truly need each other and our strategic dialogue will continue. This is a key element of our foreign policy" he concluded.