The new European Union ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Tuesday expressed the EU鈥檚 readiness to support the reform agenda of the interim government, led by professor Muhammad Yunus.
During an introductory courtesy call on foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain at his office in Segun Bagicha, Miller offered the EU鈥檚 full cooperation in areas such as human rights, good governance, and the democratic process, according to a foreign ministry press release.
The EU envoy highlighted the recent student-led mass uprising as an unprecedented opportunity for change in Bangladesh.
Miller also stated that the EU was keen to diversify trade relations with Bangladesh by increasing investment, and it supported the country鈥檚 transition following its graduation from the Least Developed Country status.
In response, the foreign adviser welcomed the EU鈥檚 support and assured efforts to create a better business environment to strengthen trade and investment relations.
Describing Bangladesh-EU relations as vibrant and important, Touhid Hossain requested EU assistance in the health and education sectors, with a particular focus on improving technical and vocational training institutes.
He also stressed the need for support in recovering stolen assets deposited abroad by some Bangladeshi nationals, to which the EU ambassador offered technical assistance.
Miller informed the adviser about the European Investment Bank鈥檚 ongoing 900 million investment in Bangladesh鈥檚 rail, energy, water, and health sectors. He expressed the EIB鈥檚 readiness to increase its investment portfolio in the country.
Both the adviser and the ambassador welcomed the forthcoming discussion on a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which aims to elevate Bangladesh-EU relations to new heights.
The EU ambassador reaffirmed the EU鈥檚 continued assistance for the Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox鈥檚 Bazar.
Both parties agreed that the return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar, with rights and safety guaranteed, remained the only sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis.