UK Investment Minister Lord Dominic Johnson on Friday expressed his country's commitment to strengthening Bangladesh's aviation sector.

“Bangladesh's aviation industry will be strengthened through an effective aviation partnership and new jobs will be created in both countries,” he said in a tweet after the signing of a joint communique between Bangladesh and the UK with the aim of establishing a partnership for the necessary cooperation in the development of Bangladesh's aviation sector.

It also included the purchase of passenger and cargo aircraft from Airbus.

Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman and Lord Dominic Johnson, signed the deal on behalf of their respective countries.

PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah and UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Roshanara Ali MP were present during the signing ceremony.

Bangladesh's trade and investment relations with the United Kingdom and the other European partners of Airbus are expected to be strengthened along with the development of Bangladesh's aviation industry through this initiative.

Bangladesh can also get long-term credit facilities from UK Export Finance on easy terms for the purchase of aircraft from Airbus.

Expressing his satisfaction, Salman F Rahman said as a result of the initiative, a long-term and effective relationship can be established between Airbus and Biman Bangladesh Airlines, through which the current relations between Bangladesh, the UK, France, Germany and the EU can be strengthened further.