EU calls for continuation of reforms under new government

European Union (EU) looks forward to the new government of Bangladesh continuing with a series of reforms that were launched under the interim government, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, said today.

“We look forward to the putting in place of judicial reforms, of the commercial courts, of work to introduce regularity into migration management,” he told reporters at the foreign ministry.

He said these are all particularly important issues for the EU that looks to explore the full potential of EU-Bangladesh relations.

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Miller and other EU ambassadors in Dhaka called on Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed at the ministry.

Miller told the media that the EU looks forward to launching a new chapter and an intensification in EU-Bangladesh relations.

He said the EU is Bangladesh’s most reliable partner -- its largest trading partner, biggest investor, a major provider of assistance, and a very significant political partner of the newly elected government.

He said they discussed all aspects of the EU-Bangladesh relationship, including reforms, trade, humanitarian affairs, migration and so on.

Miller said the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Bangladesh and EU is near finalisation.

“We do hope that we will be in a position to sign this agreement with Bangladesh in the nearest possible future,” he said.'

“And of course, in our relationship with Bangladesh, the respect for fundamental freedoms is very prominent,” Miller added.

Earlier in the day, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen called on the minister and state minister at the foreign ministry.