Newly-appointed Ambassador of the Netherlands Robert Arthur Vornis pajd his first call on Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at her office yesterday, reports UNB.

They discussed bilateral issues of mutual interests.

The ambassador appreciated the Prime Minister's observation and requested her to open a mission in the Hague for further strengthening relation between’ the two countries.

The Prime Minister welcomed the new ambassador and assured him of all cooperation and assistance of her gov-•ernment during his tenure in Bangladesh.

Begum Zia emphasised on further strengthening bilateral trade, economic and cultural ties between the two countries. She also laid importance on exchanging business delegations In the private sector between Bangladesh and '! e Netherlands to increase the volume of trade.