EU wants elevated partnership with Bangladesh: Envoy Whiteley tells PM
Russia keen to export wheat to Bangladesh
The European Union wants to take the partnership and cooperation with Bangladesh to a new height, said its ambassador on Thursday.
Ambassador Charles Whiteley made the remarks while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban.
Whiteley also congratulated Sheikh Hasina on her re-election as the prime minister for the fourth consecutive term and the fifth overall.
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The existing facilities that Bangladesh is currently getting in various sectors including environment, good governance, renewable energy and transportation under the Global Gateway will be further enhanced in the days to come, PM's Deputy Press Secretary Md Noorelahi Mina told the media, quoting Whiteley.
The EU ambassador mentioned that the EU had already given Bangladesh €407 million during the recent Global Gateway Forum summit at Brussels in Belgium, reports BSS.
He promised to continue the facilities given to Bangladesh under the EBA (Everything but Arms) facilities.
He also pledged to continue the GSP plus facilities to Bangladesh, said the deputy press secretary.
The EU envoy also highly praised the initiatives taken by PM Hasina's government for the development of those with disabilities and the marginalised people.
Bangladesh Premier has expressed her satisfaction over the existing relationship between her country and the European Union over the last 50 years.
"This relationship between Bangladesh and the European Union will be elevated to a new height," she said.
The prime minister thanked the EU for continuing support under the EBA and sought greater cooperation in different sectors including renewable energy under the Global Gateway programme.
Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present during the meeting.
Russia ready to contribute to Bangladesh's food security goals
Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskyi on Thursday expressed his country's keen interest in exporting wheat to Bangladesh.
At a meeting with Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder, issues including the progress of Bangladesh's economy, potential expansion of trade and business relations between the two countries, and wheat exports from Russia were discussed.
Food Minister Sadhan Chandra expressed his gratitude towards the Russian ambassador for the proposal and recognised Russia as a significant development ally of Bangladesh, reports UNB.
The discussions highlighted the mutual benefits and opportunities that enhanced trade and investment ties could bring to both nations.
Ambassador Mantytskyi underscored the substantial potential for trade and investment that exists between Bangladesh and Russia. He emphasised his government's readiness to contribute to Bangladesh's food security goals by capitalising on these trade opportunities.
The proposed wheat export from Russia to Bangladesh marks a significant step in strengthening the economic and trade relations between the two countries. It reflects Russia's willingness to play a constructive role in supporting Bangladesh's ongoing development and food security initiatives.
The meeting, which also included secretary to the Food Ministry Ismail Hossain, Director General of the Food Department Shakhawat Hossain, and other high-ranking officials, served as a platform to discuss a range of issues.
