British high commissioner pays courtesy call on foreign minister

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (3 March).

The foreign minister appreciated the United Kingdom (UK) for sending Seema Malhotra, minister for the Indo-Pacific, to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new government.

Both sides noted with satisfaction the deep historical ties, strong people-to-people connections and the vibrant Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK, which they said continues to serve as a vital bridge between the two countries.

The foreign minister and the high commissioner discussed exploring new avenues for collaboration, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as education, migration, security cooperation, Rohingya repatriation and enhancing ties between the peoples of the two countries.

Khalilur urged the UK to continue playing its leadership role at the United Nations Security Council and other international fora to ensure the speedy return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

The foreign minister also sought the UK's support for Bangladesh's candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly for the 2026–2027 term.

The high commissioner said she would relay the Bangladeshi candidate's competency to headquarters and assured that the UK would give due consideration to Bangladesh's candidature.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism about the future trajectory of Bangladesh–UK relations and reaffirming their commitment to closer collaboration on bilateral, regional and global issues of shared interest.

Earlier in the day, the high commissioner also called on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam to congratulate her on her recent appointment. 

The state minister stressed the need to enhance cooperation in skills development, migration, the healthcare sector, education, trade and investment.