Philip Barton to arrive today for 5th UK-Bangladesh strategic dialogue

UK Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Sir Philip Barton, will arrive in Bangladesh today for a two-day visit.

He will lead the UK side at the fifth UK-Bangladesh Strategic Dialogue chaired by Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen tomorrow.

"Building on the UK and Bangladesh's historic links, the Strategic Dialogue reflects the two countries' shared commitment to develop a modern economic, trade and security partnership," said the UK high commission in a statement.

The dialogue will cover political and diplomatic relations, economic, trade and development partnerships, and global, regional and security issues, including the Rohingya crisis, it said.

The dialogue will also provide an opportunity to boost economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, cooperation on COP28 and joint work on climate financing, adaptation and resilience to climate impacts, and showcase the UK's substantial economic development investment offer.

During his time in Dhaka, the permanent under-secretary will also meet politicians, civil society organisations, business leaders and youth representatives.

This is Sir Philip's first visit to Bangladesh as permanent under-secretary.

He visited previously in 2008 in his capacity as South Asia director, FCO.