Economic ties with neighbours will deepen: Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said yesterday Bangladesh's economic relations with its neighbours will be strengthened further and the fields of cooperation would be widened.

The opportunities were created due to her detailed discussions with the heads of states at the 64th United Nations' General Assembly, Hasina replied to a query from treasury bench lawmaker Benajir Ahmed in parliament.

Hasina said US President Barack Obama at a meeting had praised Bangladesh for its role in the UN peace mission. She also met US Foreign Secretary Hillary Clinton.

Hasina said she had also talks with Commonwealth Secretary General.

During her talks with World Bank President Robert Zoellick, the prime minister sought cooperation of the world forum in implementing government's programmes on poverty eradication, strengthening social safety net, creating employment and facing climate change.

The WB chief assured her of providing cooperation on these issues besides constructing the Padma bridge.

OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu praised Bangladesh for its progress in poverty eradication, women empowerment, especially ensuring parity in female education, the prime minister said.

On the sidelines of UNGA, she had bilateral talks with her counterparts from Nepal, Sri Lanka and Kenya, and also the president of the Maldives.

The Nepali prime minister sought cooperation from Bangladesh in building peace and security. Hasina said: "I assured my Nepali counterpart of providing assistance in this regard."

Hasina discussed with the Maldives president climate change and a plan to float a fund for the least developed countries and an adverse impact of global warming.