"It was an excellent interaction and Mr. Hawker was very eager to learn about Bangladesh in general and our current activities in particular," the foreign adviser told the media after the meeting.

"Both of us saw the need for closer Bangladesh-Australia cooperation for we share similar pluralistic values," he said.

During the meeting, the Australian speaker said the reforms being undertaken by the government would benefit the country.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Australia Humayun Kabir and Director General of Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Shahidul Islam were present on the occasion.

Thereafter, Chairman of Bangladesh Australia Parliamentary Group Andrew Laming MP hosted a working lunch for Iftekhar Chowdhury in the Parliament House Restaurant. Chris Hayes MP and Stuart Henry MP, both members of the Parliamentary Group, also joined the event.