British minister arrives in Dhaka to strengthen bonds with Bangladesh

British Minister of State for International Development Rory Stewart has arrived in Dhaka on a three-day visit for what he said strengthening the UK’s bonds with Bangladesh further.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 27 August 2016, 07:40 PM
Updated : 27 August 2016, 09:11 PM

The British High Commission said he arrived on Saturday to reaffirm the UK's commitment to support Bangladesh in becoming an economically prosperous and developed nation.

“The UK and Bangladesh have a longstanding, close friendship built on a shared history and mutual interests, including development, bilateral trade and security,” he said on his arrival.

“During this visit I look forward to strengthening the UK's bonds with Bangladesh further.”

He said: “The UK cares deeply about the Bangladeshi people and will continue to support their efforts to create a more peaceful and prosperous future, which is firmly in our two countries' interest.”

During his visit, the minister will assess the latest progress made by UK aid in support of the Bangladesh government’s goal of achieving aim to achieve a middle income nation status within the next decade.

"UK support is helping to build a safer, healthier and more prosperous world which is firmly in the interests of both countries."

He will meet a range of people including top government officials, development partners, civil society, the business community and ordinary Bangladeshis who have benefitted from the UK's support.

Stewart was appointed Minister of State at the Department for International Development on July 17. He was elected Conservative MP for Penrith and The Border in May 2010.

He served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) from May 2015 until July 2016.

He will leave Dhaka on Tuesday morning.