DHAKA: The Netherlands has expressed its eagerness in constructing the seaports in Chittagong and Patuakhali districts.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte showed this interest in a meeting with Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the 70th UN General Assembly in New York on Monday.

After the meeting, PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the journalists saying that the two PMs discussed various aspects of bilateral issues.

Sheikh Hasina said the area Paira in Patuakhali is very suitable for a deep seaport and her government is interested to start construction of the port as soon as possible.

She further said the Netherlands can also cooperate with Bangladesh in the areas of river dredging, land reclamation, flood control and natural disaster management.

The two PMs also discussed progress in preparing the ‘Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100’ that is being formulated in cooperation of the Dutch government.

Sheikh Hasina informed the Dutch PM that she would visit the Netherlands very soon.

Moreover, the Dutch premier highly appreciated Bangladesh’s remarkable progress in socioeconomic areas and efficiency in flood control.

Bangladesh state minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam, parliamentary standing committee on ministry of foreign affairs chairman Dr Dipu Moni, foreign secretary Shahidul Haq and Bangladesh ambassador to the Netherlands Sheikh Muhammad Belal were also present during the meeting.

BDST: 1658 HRS, SEPT 29, 2015
RR/SMS