Appreciating the longstanding relationship between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU), Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday sought support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) in human capital development, with particular emphasis on vocational training.

He noted that the large number of Bangladeshis living abroad could better contribute in both economies through skills development.

With regard to the EIB-financed projects in Bangladesh, Hossain hoped for efficient and expedited disbursement as per commitment.

The issues were discussed when visiting Vice President of the EIB Nicola Beer met with the Foreign Affairs Adviser at the latter’s office.

Read: EU and EIB pledged support for Bangladesh's environmental protection priorities: Rizwana

The EIB is the lending arm of the European Union.

Vice President Beer expressed happiness over her first-ever visit to Bangladesh aiming to prioritise areas for investment.

She reaffirmed support of the EU to the Interim Government and its reform initiatives - mainly institutional, economic and tackling corruption.

Beer also shared enthusiasm to work further in infrastructural development, water management, and cooperation in SMEs.

Highlighting the implication and significance of regional connectivity for South Asia, the Vice President explicitly mentioned the eagerness of the EIB in investing to realise that goal.

The Adviser asked for assistance in preventing money laundering and recovering stolen assets deposited abroad by some Bangladeshi nationals.

Citing malpractices during the previous regime, he stated a firm stance of the Interim Government in preventing project-related corruption.

Read more: EIB Vice President set to visit Dhaka for talks on Bangladesh-EU cooperation

Both sides lauded incredible improvement in the RMG sector of Bangladesh, and committed to enhance efforts in combating irregular migration.

The EIB Vice President arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday on a three-day official visit that will comprise several important meetings, including one with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.