Dhaka: UK Minister for Asia and the Pacific Alok Sharma arrived here on Thursday afternoon on a three-day visit to discuss important issues of mutual interest.

The minister will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali during his stay in Dhaka.

He will also hold discussions with political party leaders, representatives from business, civil society and minority and faith groups, and meet Chevening and Commonwealth alumni.

“I look forward to discussing how our relationship can be further strengthened, including through stronger counterterrorism cooperation, deeper educational links, the prestigious Chevening scholarship programme, and enhanced bilateral trade,” Sharma was quoted as saying in a statement.

He said the relationship between the two countries is founded on a shared history and strong ties. “I’m delighted to be taking part in my first Ministerial visit to Bangladesh.”

Alok Sharma was elected to the UK Parliament in 2010 and appointed Minister for Asia and the Pacific in 2016.

Prior to entering Parliament, Alok Sharma worked for 20 years in the international financial services sector.