Australian PM writes to Hasina, wants stronger ties

06:01 PM, September 13, 2018 / LAST MODIFIED: 06:17 PM, September 13, 2018
Australian PM writes to Hasina, wants stronger ties

https://www.thedailystar.net/politi...ronger-bilateral-ties-with-bangladesh-1633339

Bilateral trade grew by over 11pc last year, he says



The new Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison attends a news conference in Canberra, Australia, on August 24, 2018. Reuters file photo

UNB, Dhaka

Newly elected Australian Prime Minister Scott John Morrison has expressed his country’s willingness to strengthen bilateral ties with Bangladesh.

“I look forward to working with you (Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina) to strengthen the bilateral relationship,” said the Australian prime minister in a letter sent to his Bangladesh counterpart.

The letter, signed on September 1, was sent thanking Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her greeting letter on Morrison’s appointment as the Prime Minister of Australia.

Morrison said he is pleased to note the strength and breadth of the relationship between the two countries.

“Our two-way trading relationship grew by more than 11 percent last year and we cooperate closely in counter-terrorism and tackling other transnational crimes.”

He said the 49,000 people of Bangladeshi descent in Australia make a highly valued contribution to the Australian society.

“I acknowledge Bangladesh’s leadership in response to the Rohingya crisis,” said the Australian prime minister.

He noted that Australia has committed $70 million humanitarian relief, most of which has been directed to provide food, shelter and other essential services to those displaced people.

On August 27, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated Australia’s newly elected Prime Minister Scott Morrison on his assumption of office and wished his successful tenure.

Scott Morrison was sworn in on August 24 as the 30th Prime Minister of Australia.