The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Adviser for Foreign Affairs Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury held a meeting with the EU External Affairs Commissioner Benita Ferraro- Waldner in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Monday.

In the meeting, the Foreign Adviser explained to the EU Commissioner the latest progress with regard to the implementation of the Roadmap leading to parliamentary elections in Bangladesh on December 18 this year, according to a message received here yesterday.

The EU Commissioner praised the measures taken by the Caretaker Government, and said that the EU would continue to support the government in this regard. Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury is accompanying the Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed to the 63rd session of UN General Assembly Session.

Dr Iftekhar also held another bilateral meeting with Joao Cravinho, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal on Monday afternoon.

They discussed whole gamut of bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.

Speaking to the reporters afterwards Dr Iftekhar said, "Our relations with Portugal is a historic one. We have talked about ways and means of expanding trade and investment between Bangladesh and Portugal. In the meeting, we have agreed to have an structured bilateral relations through periodic high level consultation."