Bangladesh witness Netherlands as dependable dev partner Iftekhar

Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said the Dutch Foreign Minister that Bangladesh saw the Netherlands as a dependable development partner. brDr Chowdhury made the observation when held at the separate meetings with Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen and Development Cooperation Minister Bert Koenders of the Netherlands in the Dutch capital Monday, reports UNB.brForeign Minister Verhagen praised Bangladesh's role as a Constructive International Actor, and also for its contribution to UN reforms and peacekeeping. brHe assured support to Bangladesh's on-going electoral process and preparations leading to the elections.brThe Bangladesh Foreign Adviser stressed the need for the presence of a European Union Observer Mission during the forthcoming elections in Bangladesh.brHe thanked the Netherlands for the market-access benefits and urged that the import-basket from Bangladesh be widened beyond ready-made garments to include newer items like small and medium-sized ships, a new manufacturing industry in Bangladesh.brThey agreed to work together on issues of common interest such as climate change, which was critical to both countries.