<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Bangladesh has urged the United Kingdom (UK) to play a "stronger and more effective role" to make the efforts towards repatriation of the Rohingyas a success.&nbsp;</span><br></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen made the request during a telephone conversation with newly appointed British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Cleverly on Monday afternoon.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The British Secretary of State (Foreign Minister) gave assurances to stand by Bangladesh in various forums on the Rohingya issue.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Momen thanked his British counterpart for always standing by Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>James was appointed on 6 September 2022. He was previously Secretary of State for Education from July 2022 to September 2022.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>James expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for attending Queen Elizabeth's state funeral.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>During the phone conversation, they discussed the contribution of Bangladeshis living in the UK in their development, Bangladesh-UK bilateral, trade, investment relations and cooperation in multilateral fields.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the resulting food and energy crisis were discussed, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>In this context, Momen pointed out that common people, especially the people of developing countries, are suffering more due to the conflict.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Momen emphasized on taking initiatives to resolve the crisis through peaceful means of discussion.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>James also appreciated the role of Bangladesh on the climate issue.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The two foreign ministers expressed their satisfaction with the overall bilateral relations and expressed hope for further strengthening it. UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/kh</div>