PM invites Dutch counterpart to launch B'desh Delta Plan

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina has invited her Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte to visit Bangladesh for launching the Bangladesh Delta Plan-2100 in Bangladesh this year, reports UNB.

Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque handed over an invitation letter to Adviser on Foreign Policy and Defence to the Dutch Prime Minister, David van Week, during a meeting at the latter's office in The Hague on Tuesday.

In her letter, the PM sought continued Dutch support for implementation of the Delta Plan, said the Foreign Ministry.

Referring to Dutch assistance in formulating the Bangladesh Delta Plan- 2100, Sheikh Hasina invited the Dutch PM for his presence in Dhaka for ceremonial launching of the plan at a mutually convenient time this year.

Thanking Bangladesh for its support for Dutch's non-permanent membership to UNSC for the current term (2017-2018), the Dutch PM's adviser briefed the Foreign Secretary about the Dutch priorities during their upcoming chairmanship of the UNSC in March.

He appreciated Bangladesh's role as one of the top troop- and police-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping.

David van Week emphasised enhancing capabilities for the peacekeepers, including future cooperation in the areas of UN peacekeeping operations and prevention of conflicts at large.

The Foreign Secretary briefed him on the Rohingya issue and sought Dutch support in the UN Security Council and other forums for early resolution of the crisis.

They also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interests, including the need for renewed initiatives for enhancing trade and investment between the two countries.