Dhaka/New Delhi, Dec 9 (UNI): Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday reiterated India’s willingness to build a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh, based on mutual trust and respect and mutual sensitivity to each other’s concerns and interests.
FS Misri, who was in Dhaka on a day-long visit for the Foreign Office Consultations, called on Chief Advisor Mohammed Yunus and Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain. He earlier held the FOC with his Bangladeshi counterpart Jashim Uddin.
During these meetings, Foreign Secretary Misri highlighted India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary emphasized that people are the main stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations, and noted that India’s development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh, including in the areas of connectivity, trade, power, energy and capacity building, are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh, a statement said.
Referring to the attacks on Hindus and other minorities and on temples and properties of Hindus, Foreign Secretary Misri “also discussed certain recent developments and issues and conveyed India’s concerns, especially those related to the safety and welfare of minorities. He also raised some regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious and diplomatic properties”.
During the Foreign Office Consultations, both sides held comprehensive discussions on a wide range of issues covering political and security matters, border management, trade, commerce and connectivity, cooperation in water, power and energy sectors, development cooperation, consular, cultural and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on sub-regional, regional and multilateral issues, and agreed to enhance consultations and cooperation to advance regional integration, including under the BIMSTEC framework.
