The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury had separate meetings with Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen and Development Cooperation Minister Bert Koenders of the Netherlands in the Dutch capital on Monday.

In his talks with Foreign Minister Verhagen, it was agreed that the European Union (EU) in general and the Netherlands in particular considered bilateral relations with Bangladesh as "strategic", and based on "shared values", according to a message received here yesterday.

Dr Iftekhar said to the Dutch foreign minister that Bangladesh saw in the Netherlands a "dependable development partner".

He thanked the Netherlands for the "market-access benefits" and urged that the import-basket from Bangladesh be widened beyond readymade garments, including items like small and medium- sized ships, a new manufacturing industry in Bangladesh, the message added.

Foreign Minister Verhagen praised Bangladesh's role as a "constructive international actor", and also its contribution to UN reforms and peacekeeping.

He assured support to the electoral process and was keen to learn about the preparations leading to the elections in Bangladesh, the message said.

In providing a briefing on domestic reforms undertaken by the caretaker government, Dr Iftekhar stressed the need for a European Union Observer Mission during the forthcoming elections.

They agreed to work together on issues of common interest such as climate change, which was critical to both the countries. With the Development Cooperation Minister Bert Koenders, the foreign adviser underscored the importance of channelling Dutch assistance through government. In recent times, this has been done largely through multilateral agencies and NGOs.

They identified new areas of possible cooperation such as in modernization of Bangladesh's irrigation system, development of potato varieties with improved seed production and marketing, livestock and dairy industry, food processing and agro-business development, and intensified cooperation in higher studies in agriculture and rural development.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands Mizanur Rahman, Director General M Zulfiqur Rahman of the Foreign Ministry and Dutch envoy to Bangladesh Bea Ten Touscher were present in both the meetings.