Foreign Secretaries of Bangladesh and India call for deeper collaboration

Foreign Secretaries of Bangladesh and India on Wednesday discussed all major issues of mutual interests and agreed to promote cooperation encompassing all sectors, especially, defence and security cooperation, border management, trade and commerce, development cooperation, connectivity, water resources management, people-to-people contact, power and energy sector.

They underscored the need to working together during this transition time which resulted due to the impact of prolonged Covid-19 pandemic and evolving geo-political context, said the Foreign Ministry in a press release.

Foreign Secretary of India Vinay Mohan Kwatra, who arrived here on Tuesday to attend the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), which was held on Wednesday at Foreign Service Academy, Dhaka.

Foreign Secretary Kwatra paid courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban on Wednesday afternoon.

He also called on Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen in the evening at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Masud Bin Momen and Foreign Secretary of India Vinay Mohan Kwatra led their respective delegations at the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC).

Both the Foreign Secretaries expressed satisfaction on the excellent bilateral relation that exists between the two countries.

Foreign Secretary Masud enumerated that India is Bangladesh’s the closest and most important neighbour.

While highlighting that the number of deaths along the border has been reduced in the recent times, they stressed to work towards bringing the number down to zero.

Foreign Secretary Masud expressed satisfaction on increasing trade between the two countries and emphasized on removing all tariff and non-tariff barriers to reduce trade deficit.

He sought India’s cooperation in resolving the pending issues, especially, concluding of water sharing treaties, including Teesta. He also emphasized on maintaining predictable flow of commodities from India for a stable market in Bangladesh.

Foreign Secretary Masud congratulated India for taking the Presidency of the G20 and thanked the Government of India for inviting Bangladesh as a ‘Guest Country’.

Indian Foreign Secretary stated that India included Bangladesh as a ‘Guest Country’ for sharing the experience of the growth trajectory of Bangladesh achieved under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister with other members of G20.

Foreign Secretary Kwatra thanked Foreign Secretary Masud for inviting him and excellent arrangements for holding FOC. He termed Bangladesh as India’s trusted friend and reiterated that India is committed to work with Bangladesh in the coming days.

He stated that Bangladesh is one of the most important pillars towards India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and a key partner to its ‘Act East Policy’. He also emphasized on exploring and working together in the emerging sectors for cooperation.

While the Indian Foreign Secretary called on the Bangladesh Foreign Minister, Momen stated that Bangladesh and India is passing through a ‘Golden Chapter’ and he stressed on maintaining this momentum.

The Foreign Minister stated that regular high level visits contributed in reinforcing the relationship between two countries.

Momen said, the State visit of Prime Minister to New Delhi in September last year has added significant impetus to the existing ties. He underscored the necessity of resolving the pending issues between the two countries in the spirit of good neighbourhood.

Foreign Minister Momen expressed satisfaction that the two countries are complimenting to each other’s economy. He emphasised on regional cooperation and working together for ensuring shared peace and prosperity in the region, as envisioned by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

While appreciating Bangladesh for her recent advancements in various sectors, Foreign Secretary Kwatra emphasized on partnering between Bangladesh and India to address challenges in the region and beyond. Foreign Minister sought India’s steadfast assistance in early repatriation of more than 1.1 million Rohingyas to their country of origin.

Indian Foreign Secretary, who arrived in Dhaka on February 14, would return to New Delhi Thursday morning.