United Kingdom Minister of State for International Development Rory Stewart arrived in the capital yesterday to reaffirm London’s ‘commitment to support Bangladesh to become an economically prosperous and developed nation’. During his visit, the Minister will assess the latest progress made by UK aid in support of the government of Bangladesh's aim to achieve middle income status within the next decade, said a British High Commission press release. UK support is helping to build a safer, healthier and more prosperous world which is firmly in the interests of both countries, it said. The Minister will meet a range of people including the top government officials, development partners, civil society, the business community and most importantly, ordinary Bangladeshis who have benefited from the UK's support. "The UK and Bangladesh have a longstanding, close friendship built on a shared history and mutual interests including development, bilateral trade, and security,” said Stewart upon arrival.
“During this visit I look forward to strengthening the UK's bond with Bangladesh further. The UK cares deeply about the Bangladeshi people and will continue to support their efforts to create a more peaceful and prosperous future, which is firmly in our two countries' interest," he said.