The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The European Commission (EC) has said it attaches immense importance to fostering closer relations with Bangladesh in this challenging period of transition towards parliamentary elections.

The EC made the remarks as the 4th Session of the EC-Bangladesh Joint Commission was held in Brussels on April 2 in line with the commitments undertaken by the European Commission and Bangladesh under the Co-operation Agreement of 2001.

Bangladesh delegation was led by Md. Aminul Islam Bhuiyan, Secretary, Economic Relations Division. Bangladesh Ambassador in Belgium A. H. M. Moniruzzaman and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Joao Aguiar Machado, Deputy Director General of DG External Relations of the European Commission led the EC delegation to the session. Dr Stefan Frowein, Head of the EC Delegation to Bangladesh, and other senior EC officials were also present.

The Joint Commission meeting addressed the full range of bilateral relations with a view to strengthening existing co-operation, including trade, democracy, good governance and human rights, development co-operation, climate change and air services.

"The richness and maturity of our relationship is reflected in the fact that the EU is the prime destination for Bangladesh's exports and in our substantial partnership in the field of development assistance. The Joint Commission has provided a valuable opportunity to take stock of our relationship and to map out the way to even better co-operation," Machado said.

Bhuiyan said "the longer-term perspectives which we have considered with respect to our partnership in the trade, political and development co-operation fields serve as a reassurance that the relationship between the EC and Bangladesh can continue to go from strength to strength."