The prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, on Wednesday stressed the need for further strengthening ties with Ukraine for food security.
'We should continue to strengthen valuable arrangements for Bangladesh's food safety and security for now and in the future,' she said when Ukrainian Minister for Agriculture Policy and Food Mykola Prysyazhnyuk called on her at her office.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, PM's press secretary Abul Kalam Azad said the prime minister also laid emphasis on starting cultural and tourism exchanges and exchange of business delegations to increase bilateral trade.
During the meeting, they discussed matters related to bilateral interests including trade and commerce, power generation and environmental issues.
The prime minister urged Ukraine to import world-class ceramics, pharmaceuticals, jute and jute products and garment and textile goods from Bangladesh.
She said Bangladesh can provide skilled workers and professionals to extend support for Ukraine's fast-paced development.
Sheikh Hasina referred to the MOU signed between Bangladesh and Ukraine for importing wheat, saying it is an important development.
'Bangladesh annually imports 10 lakh tonnes of wheat from Ukraine under government arrangement and 28 lakh tonnes of wheat under non-government arrangement' she added.
Regarding coal exploration, the prime minister said her government has taken into consideration all related aspects including environment, underground water level and people's rehabilitation.
The Ukrainian minister lauded the dynamic leadership of Sheikh Hasina and the progress achieved in various sectors during the last two and a half years of her government.
He also gave assurances of continued support for the development of Bangladesh.
Food minister Abdur Razzak, ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin, principal secretary MA Karim, PMO secretary Mollah Waheeduzzaman, Food secretary BD Mitra were present, among others.
Source : New Age
