BD, UK vow to reinforce bilateral ties

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke yesterday (7 May) reaffirmed the UK's commitment to cooperate with Bangladesh in its democratic transition and strengthen bilateral relations.

She made the pledge while paying a courtesy call on Foreign Secretary Ambassador Md Jashim Uddin at his office on Wednesday, said a foreign ministry's press release.

The meeting was focused on the areas of partnership and mutual interest between Bangladesh and the UK, particularly cooperation on judicial matters, climate change, migration and mobility, and the Rohingya issue.

Both sides exchanged views on recent regional developments, with a shared emphasis on the need for de-escalation and regional stability. The Foreign Secretary reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and expressed hope for peaceful resolutions to ongoing concerns.

The evolving role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges also featured prominently in the conversation. Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin highlighted Bangladesh’s active contributions to the UN system, especially in peacekeeping missions, and reaffirmed the country's dedication to multilateralism.

The discussion also encompassed a number of other global and institutional issues, including the upcoming UN80 commemoration, the work of the UN Committee on Decolonization (C24), and continued bilateral cooperation on judicial matters. The British High Commissioner sought Bangladesh’s support for the United Kingdom’s candidature to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

On the issue of the Rohingya crisis, the High Commissioner acknowledged the UN’s ongoing engagement in the refugee camps. The Foreign Secretary reiterated Bangladesh’s consistent call for the safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya population to their homeland and urged the UK to continue its constructive support in this regard.