On my first visit to Bangladesh as Minister for Asia, I

have enjoyed three days of great Bangladeshi welcomes.  During this visit, I met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali MP, business leaders and civil society leaders. I have been reminded of what our two countries share: a close friendship underpinned by history, culture, shared values and a commitment to a successful Bangladesh. 

It is always easier for two governments to talk when their peoples share a strong connection. More than half a million people of Bangladeshi heritage are living in the UK. They have contributed to Britain and British life across every aspect of our society: government, politics, business, technology and innovation. Their decision to make the UK their home demonstrates what makes us a globally-minded, dynamic and multicultural country. Our citizens move in both directions. Many British Bangladeshis visit their homeland every year, and the UK welcomes Bangladeshi businessmen, tourists and thousands of students who come to the UK to study.  I met some of our impressive alumni and young leaders during my visit.

Much of the discussion during my visit focused on strengthening economic growth and prosperity for both our countries. Our trade relationship is at the heart of this.  The UK is one of the largest investors in Bangladesh; we are investing in infrastructure, energy, defence and security. As the UK plans to leave the EU, what is certain is that we will look to forge new partnerships and to deepen existing relationships. We will remain committed to free trade and to shaping a new era of global prosperity. We will do this by supporting British business as it seeks out opportunities in Bangladesh. There are major opportunities here but there are also some challenges. This is why we will continue our work to help Bangladesh tackle trade barriers, improve the business and investment climate, to streamline processes and regulation, and improve transparency and accountability. We will continue to work with the government and those who are working to attract foreign trade and investment to Bangladesh.

The UK and Bangladesh are proud members of the Commonwealth, something I was happy to discuss with Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury MP. We celebrate our diversity and are united by the values that we hold dear - democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Gender equality, promoting opportunities and stopping violence against women and girls is a key priority for both our countries. With the rest of the world, we will be celebrating International Women's Day on March 8.

We care deeply about what happens in Bangladesh, which is one of the reasons why the UK is the biggest bilateral grant donor through our UK Aid programme, and we support its positive role on the world stage across a range of issues, including climate change and the environment. We recognise Bangladesh's contribution to world stability through its impressive contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.  I also heard about the huge challenges Bangladesh faces in hosting the Rohingya refugees. The UK is committed to working with the governments of Bangladesh and Burma to address the plight of this community. 

As friends of Bangladesh, the UK will continue to state our belief that social and economic growth and development are best ensured in a pluralistic, tolerant and open democracy, where the rule of law is respected. That is why alongside my meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Ali, I also met opposition political leaders Begums Rowshan Ershad and Khaleda Zia during my visit. 

The UK and Bangladesh stand together to combat global extremism and terrorism and to keep our citizens and visitors in our countries safe. Both of us have experienced the devastating and destabilising effects of terrorist outrages. It is when we are under threat that principles and freedoms that we hold dear may be hardest to preserve; but it is at just these times that we need them most, to ensure that all our citizens believe that they have a stake in our society and that their rights are respected.  

My visit to Bangladesh enabled me to see the breadth of our partnership and for me to recommit to its fundamental principles – strengthening economic growth, security and prosperity and celebrating our people to people ties. The UK's exit from the EU offers an opportunity for us to work together to define a new, modern relationship with Bangladesh. I look forward to working with the government, business and wider society to help ensure success for both of our countries.

The writer is UK Minister for Asia.