Diplomatic Desk:
UK High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (March 3, 2026).
During the meeting, the Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for the participation of UK Minister for Indo-Pacific Affairs Seema Malhotra in the swearing-in ceremony of the new government. Both sides appreciated the deep historical relations between Bangladesh and the UK, strong people-to-people contacts and the role of the vibrant Bangladeshi diaspora living in the UK. They noted that the diaspora Bangladeshis are acting as an important bridge between the two countries.
The meeting discussed exploring new areas of cooperation in various sectors of mutual interest, including education, migration, security cooperation, Rohingya repatriation. The Foreign Minister called on the UK to continue its leadership role in international forums, including the UN Security Council, for the safe and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
The Foreign Minister also sought the UK’s support for Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly for the term 2026-2027. The High Commissioner pledged to inform the headquarters of his country about the qualifications of the Bangladeshi candidate and assured that Bangladesh’s candidacy would be duly considered.
After the meeting, both sides expressed optimism about the future direction of Bangladesh-UK relations and reiterated their commitment to strengthen close cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues.
Earlier on the same day, the High Commissioner also paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaid Islam. The Minister of State emphasized on enhancing cooperation in skills development, migration, health sector, education and trade and investment.
