Bangladesh attaches special importance to ties with India: President
"Friendly and cordial relations between the two sovereign neighbours were both natural and expected," newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi says.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin today (25 June) said Bangladesh attaches special importance to its relationship with India, describing the neighbouring country as an important partner in trade and development.
"Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining a mutually respectful and forward-looking partnership with India while upholding sovereign equality, national interests and dignity, and the welfare of the people," he said while receiving credentials from newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi at Bangabhaban, reports BSS.
The Indian envoy, in response, said friendly and cordial relations between the two sovereign neighbours were both natural and expected.
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Upon arriving at Bangabhaban, Trivedi was accorded a guard of honour by a contingent of the President Guard Regiment. He later paid a courtesy call on the president following the credential presentation ceremony.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam said Shahabuddin welcomed the new high commissioner and expressed hope that his tenure would help further strengthen bilateral relations and make them more beneficial for the people of both countries.
The president also recalled with appreciation the participation of Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's new government following the national election held in February this year.
During the meeting, Shahabuddin stressed the importance of expanding people-to-people connectivity and taking positive steps to resolve outstanding issues, including matters related to the border.
On border issues, Trivedi noted that recent discussions between senior officials of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) had been constructive.
He emphasised the need for more regular engagements between border forces and officials at both local and higher levels and expressed hope that border-related issues would be resolved promptly.
The Indian high commissioner conveyed greetings from India's president and leadership to the president of Bangladesh and reaffirmed New Delhi's commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.
Shahabuddin, in turn, asked the envoy to convey his greetings to the president of India and wished Trivedi a successful tenure in Bangladesh.
The president also assured the high commissioner of Bangladesh's full cooperation in further strengthening and consolidating ties between the two countries.
Secretaries from the President's Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials were present at the ceremony.
