The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said Thursday that the current global financial turmoil and economic downturn must not have any adverse impact on Bangladesh's development cooperation with the West.

He made the remark to journalists after a meeting with British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Stephen Evans at the Foreign Ministry.

"Both the Ambassador and I hope that the situation does not adversely impact on the development cooperation with the West in general and Europe in particular," Iftekhar said.

The Adviser appreciated the leadership of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to resolve the current economic downturn.

They also discussed a number of international issues including UN convention against torture and the issue of Kosovo.

"We discussed a range of international issues across which Bangladesh and the UK cooperate," Evans said adding they discussed early ratification of the UN optional protocol against torture.

Asked whether they discussed pre-election political issues, the High Commissioner said they mainly focused on international issues.

He expressed the hope that the day's political dialogue between the government and major political parties would help resolve the political matters.