German FM arrives in Bangladesh

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle arrived in Dhaka Saturday on a one-day official visit to Bangladesh. During his stay, the German Minister will meet with Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and representatives of the civil society. He will hold talks on bilateral relations and issues of mutual concern. After the official talks, both Foreign Ministers will address a joint press briefing. The German Foreign Minister is accompanied by a high-level business delegation as well as high ranking officials of the German government. A release of the German Embassy here said on Wednesday that commemorating the 40th anniversary of German-Bangladesh diplomatic relations this year, the visit wishes to further strengthen excellent bilateral relations as well as to continue the lively exchange which exists between the two countries. This is Westerwelle's first official visit to Bangladesh. The German Foreign Minister was in India where he held talks with Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on the recent developments in the Eurozone, the evolving situation against the backdrop of the recently concluded Afghan summit and India’s ever-increasing strategic role in Asia’s security architecture.