Formal talks with Italian PM today

A red carpet welcome was accorded to Italian Prime Minister Prof Romano Prodi when he arrived in Dhaka yesterday on a two-day official visit to Bangladesh, reports UNB.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received him at the tarmac of the airport at 7:15 pm as he alighted from a special aircraft which carried him from India.

Two tiny tots presented bouquets to the Italian Prime Minister and Madame Flavia Prodi.

Prof Prodi was then taken to the presentation line and introduced with members of the cabinet, dean of the diplomatic corps, diplomats and top civil and military officials.

Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad, Finance Minister Shah A M S Kibria, Education Minister A S H K Saidque, Commerce and Industries Minister Tofael Ahmed, Water Resources Minister Abdur Razzak and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury were, among others, present.

This is the first ever visit by an Italian head of government to Bangladesh.

Prof Prodi is leading a 12-member official delegation which includes Trade Minister Augusto Fantovzi.

Besides, representatives of top Italian companies and a 20-member media team also came with the Italian premier.

Prof Prodi will hold official talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today at the PM's office at 10 am.

The Italian premier will call on President Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban today at 12 noon.

Prof Prodi will also address the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) at Hotel Sonargaon at 11:15 am today.

His itinerary includes visit to the National Mausoleum at Savar and placing wreaths as well as meeting with the Italian nationals and the press.