Newly appointed British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Stephen Nicholas Evans today presented his credentials to President Prof Dr Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban here today.

Welcoming the new envoy, the President said Bangladesh attaches great importance to her relations with the United Kingdom (UK) and considers it to be a dependable trade, development and strategic partners.

He expressed his satisfaction at the existing bilateral relations between the two countries.

The President hoped that the relations between the two countries would reach a new height of excellence during his
tenure to Bangladesh.

President Iajuddin said that trade, investment and economic relations between Bangladesh and UK have expanded in depth and dimensions over the years as the UK is now the third largest destination for Bangladeshi products.

He praised the British government's development cooperation to Bangladesh through DFID in different areas.

Dr Iajuddin also said Bangladesh and the UK share similar views on many international issues and hoped that the two countries would work closely in promoting international peace, security and development through a strong partnership on matter of common interest including Commonwealth and United Nations and the peacekeeping operations, human rights and women empowerment.

The President underscored the need for strengthening educational cooperation further between Bangladesh and the UK through increasing scholarships for the Bangladeshi students, teachers and scientists to the educational institutes in the UK.

The British High Commissioner sought the President's cooperation and the government in discharging his duties during his office in Dhaka.

The envoy expressed his satisfaction over the present government's various reform programmes to strengthen democracy and curb corruption and hoped that the next general elections would be held by December this year.

He also mentioned Bangladeshi students' study in Britain and mentioned the British Council's role in Bangladesh which help strengthening cultural and educational ties between the two countries.

Stephen Nicholas Evans also praised Bangladeshi community in Britain for their contribution to British economy.

Secretary of the President's Office Md Sirajul Islam, Foreign Secretary Touhid Hosain, Military Secretary to the
President Major General Mohammad Ruhul Amin and the President's Press Secretary Abdul Awal Hawlader were present.

Earlier, on his arrival at Bangabhaban, a smart contingent of President's Guard Regiment gave the New British envoy a guard of honour.