UK’s Permanent Under-Secretary due Monday to attend 5th Strategic Dialogue

UK Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Sir Philip Barton will arrive in Dhaka on Monday on a two-day visit.

The Permanent Under-Secretary is the most senior civil servant and diplomat in the FCDO.

This is Sir Philip’s first visit to Bangladesh as Permanent Under-Secretary.

He visited previously in 2008 in his capacity as Director South Asia, FCO.

Sir Philip’s main focus will be the fifth Bangladesh-UK Strategic Dialogue to be chaired by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.

The Strategic Dialogue between the two countries will be held on September 12.

Building on the UK and Bangladesh’s historic links, the Strategic Dialogue reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to develop a modern economic, trade and security partnership.

The dialogue will cover political and diplomatic relations, economic, trade and development partnerships, and global, regional and security issues, including the Rohingya crisis, according to the UK government.

It will also provide an opportunity to boost economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, cooperation on COP28 and joint work on climate financing, adaptation and resilience to climate impacts, and showcase the UK’s substantial economic development investment offer.

During his time in Dhaka, the Permanent Under-Secretary will also meet politicians, civil society organisations, business leaders and youth representatives.