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NEW YORK, Sept 17 (BSS): Prime Minister Khaleda Zia held separate talks with a number of world leaders on the sidelines of the 60th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) here Friday.
The meetings at the UN headquarters were held with Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Mozambique President Armando Emilo Guebuza.
Khaleda also held talks with US Congressman Joseph Crowley, when the latter called on her at her suite in Hotel Grand Hyatt Friday evening.
During her meeting with Khaleda Zia, Chandrika Kumaratunga re-confirmed her participation in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit scheduled to be held in Dhaka in November next.
She thanked Khaleda for Bangladesh's assistance after the last tsunami in her country. They also discussed different issues relating to strengthening of the United Nations.
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Khaleda discussed the progress in implementation of the agreement to transfer the management of Chittagong Shah Amanat International Airport to the Thai authorities.
Shinawatra apprised Khaleda of his country's preparedness against tsunami and said a tsunami task fund has been formed there.
Referring to the establishment of Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) in Thailand, he said it would also help Bangladesh get early warning of disaster.
During his meeting with Khaleda, Mozambique President Armando Emilo Guebuza appreciated Bangladesh's expertise in disaster management.
He showed keen interest in micro-credit system in Bangladesh. Khaleda invited him to visit Bangladesh.
Joseph Crowley, who is also the Democratic Co-chairman of the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus, thanked Khaleda for $1 million aid Bangladesh provided for the Hurricane Katrina victims.
He said Bangladesh responded more quickly even than the US government because of the Khaleda Zia's government's long experience in handling such disasters.
Crowley, however, said the passage of the proposed trade act to provide duty-free access of the Bangladeshi readymade garments to the US market might be delayed because of the Hurricane Katrina.
The US Congressman expressed his satisfaction over the measures taken by the Bangladesh government against terrorism.
Crowley said Bangladesh Caucus has become stronger now with the increase in the total number of its members to 28 from 22, and the joining of Republican Congressman Peter King, who is also chairman of the Homeland Security Emergency Preparedness Committee.
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