Bangladesh and India on Wednesday discussed ways to strengthen their bilateral relationship in its facets as the two countries eye a new beginning following the formation of a democratically elected government.
“We discussed strengthening our bilateral relationship in its various facets,” said Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar after his meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman.
He said they also exchanged views on regional and global developments.
“Pleased to host FM Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh and his delegation this afternoon,” Jaishankar said in a message shared on his verified X handle.
They agreed to remain in close touch.
Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah were also present at the meeting.
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This marks the first high-level visit to India since the BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, assumed office, following a period of significant strain in bilateral relations.
Bangladesh is keen to see bilateral relations return to normalcy on the basis of ‘mutual respect and mutual gains,’ as the ‘goodwill’ trip comes amid increased engagement between the two countries in recent weeks.
Although Dhaka prefers to describe the trip as a ‘goodwill visit,’ officials told UNB that it involves substantive discussions with New Delhi to ‘better understand current dynamics’ and to raise issues of key importance to Bangladesh.
The Foreign Minister arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday and is scheduled to hold meetings with Petroleum, Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal today (Wednesday).
In these meetings, MoFA spokesperson SM Mahbubul Alam said Bangladesh will emphasise stability and the continued development of bilateral relations based on dignity, mutual trust and respect, and shared interests.
India warmly welcomed Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur on his arrival in New Delhi.
“India and Bangladesh share warm and historic ties anchored in strong people to people relations. The visit will further bolster India Bangladesh partnership,” said Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
From New Delhi, Foreign Minister Khalilur is likely to fly to Mauritius on the same flight on Thursday morning as his Indian counterpart, Jaishankar, to attend the 9th Indian Ocean Conference.
