India for broader cooperation with Bangladesh

Indian External Affairs Minister SM Krishna has said his country wishes to discuss the scope for a broader cooperation framework which will significantly improve the livelihood of the people of India and Bangladesh.

“We want to see a prosperous, stable and democratic Bangladesh in the interest of both the countries and the region,” Krishna told reporters on his arrival in Dhaka on a three-day official visit Wednesday.

The Indian minister arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1:00pm and was welcomed by Foreign Minister Dipu Moni.

Relations between the two countries are passing through the best phase in recent times with a number of new and forward-looking initiatives taken by the leaderships of the two countries following the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India in January last year, SM Krishna said in his arrival statement.

“India remains committed to a partnership in the development and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh. Both the countries remain steadfast in their efforts to combat the scourge of terrorism,” he said.

Krishna said he is looking forward to a productive and focused interaction on bilateral relations between the two countries.

Welcoming Krishna, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said she was looking forward to having fruitful and substantive discussions with the minister on the entire range of Bangladesh’s relation with India in the bilateral, regional and sub-regional context.

Relations between Bangladesh and India are rooted in history, characterised by warmth and cordiality, Dipu Moni said.

"Since our government assumed office, we have given priority attention to expanding relations with our neighbours both in form and substance. Critical to this thrust is the issue of regional connectivity -- physical connectivity as much as the connectivity of ideas, of people, of culture."

In a statement to media in New Delhi, prior to his departure for Bangladesh, Krishna said his visit would be preparatory to that of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

News Source : thedailystar.net