British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
The foreign minister expressed appreciation to the UK for sending Seema Malhotra, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new government.
Both sides highlighted with satisfaction the deep historical ties, strong people-to-people connections, and the vibrant Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK, which continues to serve as an important bridge between the two nations.
During the meeting, Khalilur Rahman and Sarah Cooke discussed opportunities to expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including education, migration, security cooperation, Rohingya repatriation, and strengthening people-to-people exchanges.
The foreign minister urged the UK to continue its leadership role in the United Nations Security Council and other international platforms to facilitate the speedy repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
He also sought the UK’s support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the Presidency of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly (2026–2027). High Commissioner Cooke assured that she would convey Bangladesh’s credentials to London and confirmed the UK would give due consideration to the candidature.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism about the future of Bangladesh–UK relations and reaffirming their commitment to closer cooperation on bilateral, regional, and global issues of shared interest.
Earlier in the day, the High Commissioner also met with Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, to congratulate her on her recent appointment. The state minister emphasised enhancing cooperation in skills development, migration, healthcare, education, and trade and investment.
