DHAKA: The visiting delegation of the European Parliament (EP) met foreign minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali at state guesthouse Padma in city on Thursday afternoon (February 11).

Led by Jean Lambart MEP, chair of the Delegation for Relations with the countries of South Asia, the delegation comprised of Richard Howitt MEP, vice-chair, Subcommittee on Human Rights, Ivan Štefanec MEP, Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and Sajjad Karim MEP, INTA/South Asia Monitoring Group, Chair.

Welcoming the visit, Mahmood Ali expressed optimism that relations between Bangladesh and European Union as well as EP would continue to grow in the future.

The delegation appreciated the progress made under Sustainability Compact concerning labor rights and factory safety in RMG industry in Bangladesh.

Foreign minister Ali said, “We have come a long way since Rana Plaza, despite many challenges”.

He emphasized on building long-term partnership on this, including seeking continued support from the EP.
In response to queries, the Bangladesh foreign minister apprised the delegation that Bangladesh’s engagements in regional and sub-regional fora, including SAARC, BBIN BIMSTEC and BCIM-EC, among others. Foreign Minister also sought support from the EU for realizing the potentials of Blue Economy.

The EP delegation appreciated the role of Bangladesh in the Islamic World as a moderate country and expressed interest to work together in countering terrorism, extremism and radicalization, globally.

Bangladesh foreign minister, while referring to the ‘zero tolerance’ policy of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on counter-terrorism and violent extremism, assured the MEPs of Bangladesh’s sustained efforts in this regard.

BDST: 1947 HRS, FEB 11, 2016
RR/SMS