Bangladesh and the United Kingdom yesterday called for global collaboration to address the root causes of terrorism and uphold respect for the rule of law and international human rights commitments.
Both sides, at the Bangladesh-UK strategic dialogue, condemned the recent terrorist acts in the two countries.
Recognising the importance of aviation security, the two countries will continue to work closely to further strengthen security at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
The UK reaffirmed its willingness to provide necessary assistance and both sides agreed to carry out a joint assessment to identify the remaining improvements needed, and draw up an action plan.
Once these necessary improvements are in place, the UK would take steps for resumption of cargo on UK-bound direct flights from Dhaka, according to a joint statement
issued after the dialogue.
They agreed to build shared prosperity through widening and deepening the existing bilateral relations for the benefit of both countries.
The dialogue confirmed a shared commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development.
Sir Simon McDonald, undersecretary for the UK Foreign Office, and Bangladesh foreign secretary Shahidul Haque led their respective sides in the talks.
After Brexit, Sir Simon reiterated, the UK will remain outward looking and a champion for free trade, and is determined to renew and strengthen relations with long-standing friends like Bangladesh.
Recognising the importance of the visa relationship between the two countries, both sides agreed to maintain an efficient and high quality visa service for Bangladeshi nationals.
The UK agreed to expand the criteria for three-five day priority visa services for Bangladeshi applicants from June.
The UK welcomed Bangladesh’s commitment to take back its citizens who no longer have the right to remain in the UK and Bangladesh gave an assurance that it will take practical steps to expedite their return.
The UK undersecretary and Bangladesh foreign secretary began the session with the signing of a memorandum of understanding confirming the UK and Bangladesh’s intention to hold annual strategic dialogue alternately in Dhaka and London.
Sir Simon said as the UK prepares to leave the EU, UK’s relationship with Bangladesh will matter even more. “The UK and Bangladesh have a close relationship and annual Strategic Dialogues will allow us to deepen our cooperation across security, prosperity and economic development,” he said.
The strategic dialogue involved a productive exchange on political and bilateral issues, economic and development co-operation, security and defence cooperation and current
global issues.
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