Dhaka hails Lankan initiative for C'wealth spl confce on terrorism
Saturday, 24 November 2007
KAMPALA, Nov 23 (UNB): Bangladesh supports Sri Lanka's initiative to host a Commonwealth Special Ministerial Meeting on 'terrorism' in Colombo sometime next year, possibly in March.
Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury conveyed the message to his Sri Lankan counterpart Rohitha Bogollagama during a meeting on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Summit Conference held here Thursday.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Iftekhar said, "Bangladesh and Sri Lanka enjoy the best relations. These have got a boost by our recent gift of Lord Buddha's strand of hair, a holy relic, to Sri Lanka which has been deeply appreciated. Trade is growing, as is our cooperation in different fields."
Meanwhile, the foreign adviser held a meeting with his UK counterpart David Miliband in Kampala in the evening on the same day and discussed different issues relating to boosting cooperation between the two friendly countries.
The UK foreign secretary praised the reforms initiated by the Caretaker Government in order to create sustainable democratic institutions in Bangladesh.
He praised, in particular, the recent separation of judiciary from the executive as "a very positive step".
David Miliband conveyed to Dr Iftekhar the deep sympathies of his government at the recent destruction caused by cyclone 'Sidr'.
He also gave the assurance that the British support would be forthcoming.
Besides, bilateral relations, they also discussed the current situation in the region, in particular in Pakistan and Myanmar.
Speaking to the media afterwards, Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury said: "We had an exceedingly good dialogue. We spoke of our common position on many international issues, including on climate change and peacekeeping and agreed to keep working together."
The foreign adviser had met Margaret Becket, Miliband's predecessor, in London in April when they laid emphasis on the subject of climate change, in particular.
Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury conveyed the message to his Sri Lankan counterpart Rohitha Bogollagama during a meeting on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Summit Conference held here Thursday.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Iftekhar said, "Bangladesh and Sri Lanka enjoy the best relations. These have got a boost by our recent gift of Lord Buddha's strand of hair, a holy relic, to Sri Lanka which has been deeply appreciated. Trade is growing, as is our cooperation in different fields."
Meanwhile, the foreign adviser held a meeting with his UK counterpart David Miliband in Kampala in the evening on the same day and discussed different issues relating to boosting cooperation between the two friendly countries.
The UK foreign secretary praised the reforms initiated by the Caretaker Government in order to create sustainable democratic institutions in Bangladesh.
He praised, in particular, the recent separation of judiciary from the executive as "a very positive step".
David Miliband conveyed to Dr Iftekhar the deep sympathies of his government at the recent destruction caused by cyclone 'Sidr'.
He also gave the assurance that the British support would be forthcoming.
Besides, bilateral relations, they also discussed the current situation in the region, in particular in Pakistan and Myanmar.
Speaking to the media afterwards, Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury said: "We had an exceedingly good dialogue. We spoke of our common position on many international issues, including on climate change and peacekeeping and agreed to keep working together."
The foreign adviser had met Margaret Becket, Miliband's predecessor, in London in April when they laid emphasis on the subject of climate change, in particular.