London assures Dhaka of increased assistance
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni calls on British Foreign Secretary William Hague at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London yesterday. Photo: Courtesy
The United Kingdom yesterday assured Bangladesh that development cooperation would become stronger and flow of assistance would increase in the years ahead. The assurance came when Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni had an hour-long meeting with her British Counterpart William Hague at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, according to a message received here. Reiterating continued strong partnership in combating climate change, Hague said Britain would work hand in hand with Bangladesh towards a satisfactory outcome from the next round of global negotiations in Cancun and beyond. The two leaders agreed on intensifying exchange of high level visits to pave the way for further engagement in promoting trade, investment and economic relations. Hague appreciated Bangladesh's role in the global peacekeeping operations and pledged Britain's support to uphold the role. On a question of the ongoing war crimes trial, Dipu Moni underscored the need for strong resolve of the government of Bangladesh to end the culture of impunity, establish rule of law and bring back accountability in the governance. Hague, in reply, said his country supports the trial of war criminals in principle. The discussion covered all aspects of bilateral relations. The British foreign secretary described Bangladesh as one of the most important development partners and a frontline country in Britain's quest to see global climate justice. He appreciated the role Bangladesh in a wide range of issues which benefits not only the two countries but the international community as a whole. He said the UK government considered trade and economic relations as cornerstones of bilateral diplomacy. Dipu Moni highlighted the historic links between the two countries and said the two friendly nations should take the multifaceted relations to a new height. She thanked her counterpart for continued support for consolidation of democracy in Bangladesh. Dr Dipu Moni also appreciated the role British assistance in a range of areas such as climate change, strengthening democracy, poverty alleviation, literacy, health and sanitation and attainment of MDGs. In reply, Hague assured that development cooperation would become stronger and flow of assistance would increase in the years ahead. Foreign minister paid a visit to the British Council headquarters in London in the afternoon. She was briefed on the activities and programme of the institution in Bangladesh. The Head of British Council, Martin Davidson expressed willingness of the institution to be a part of the 150th birth anniversary celebration of poet Rabindranath Tagore.
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