Dhaka: Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Ambassador Pierre Mayaudon on Thursday said Bangladesh and the EU today enjoy stronger relations in the area of higher education.

"Higher educational institutions are crucial partners to drive forward and stimulate growth," he said while addressing a reception in the city.

Mayaudon said the EU will continue supporting inclusive, effective and connected higher education systems and helping higher education institutions to contribute to innovation as stressed in the new EU agenda for higher education.

He hosted the reception to 61 Bangladeshi students who will benefit from an EU scholarship of the 'Erasmus+' programme.

The event included two short presentations on other EU projects for higher education: Blended Learning for Teacher Educators in Asia and Europe (BLTEAE) and 'Advancing Skill Creation to ENhance Transformation' (ASCENT). Representatives of EU Member States diplomatic missions and Honorary Consulates took part in the event.

The 'Erasmus+' programme aims to enhance the quality of higher education by promoting dialogue as well as understanding between people and cultures through mobility and academic cooperation.

This year, 61 Bangladeshi students have been selected to study in numerous European cities for completing Masters or Doctorates enrolling in different areas such as environment, maritime studies, human rights, nutrition, business studies, sociology, IT, culture, communication, international cooperation, health.

The scholarships will allow the Bangladeshi students to enrich their experience and develop their professional skills as well as deepen their understanding of other cultures.