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Published on June 6, 2015
In a statement after official talks with Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister said, the countries have to translate the declaration of the bilateral talks into concrete deliverables. India is certainly our most important neighbour and the two countries can collectively achieve peace, stability and progress of the people.
"It is indeed a great pleasure to have Prime Minister Narendra Modi amongst us," Sheikh Hasina said adding, "This is truly a historic moment. We are taking our relationship to a greater height."
Extending her thanks to Indian Prime Minister for ratification of the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement, Sheikh Hasina said a 68-year-old humanitarian issue has come to a peaceful end through the agreement.
"We are extremely happy that the land boundary issue has finally been resolved, and I appreciate Prime Minister Modi's leadership in achieving it," she said.
Sheikh Hasina also thanked the people and political parties of India for their support to the agreement and recalled with gratitude the historic role of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in this agreement. She also recognized the contribution of Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in this regard.
Quoting from a speech of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Kolkata on 06 February 1972, Sheikh Hasina said Bangabandhu wanted cooperation with all neighbours for creating a peaceful South Asia so that every people can live side by side as good neighbors and pursue constructive policies for the benefit of the people.
"The visionary statement of Bangabandhu encapsulates our outlook about South Asia," Sheikh Hasina said.
The Bangladesh Prime Minister said, "India is certainly the most important neighbour and one of our key development partners. India made invaluable contribution during our War of Liberation for which we are deeply grateful," she said.
Terming the bilateral talks with India as very fruitful, Bangladesh Prime Minister said, "Our conversations were warm, candid and forward looking. We understand each other's concerns and priorities. We discussed all aspects of our ever growing relationship," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said Prime Minister Modi and she agreed that greater connectivity is vital for the development of the two countries and for the region. The signing of the Coastal Shipping Agreement, the renewal of the Trade Agreement and the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade, as well as the flagging off new bus services are examples of our commitment to seamless connectivity across the region to reduce inequalities and maximizing welfare gains, she said.
Sheikh Hasina said the new trade facilitation measures incorporated in these agreements would create new opportunities for more trade, investment and business.
The Bangladesh Prime Minister said Modi was receptive to the issue of growing trade deficit and assured of his government's cooperation. To bring balance in trade between the two countries, the two countries agreed to establish Special Economic Zones in Mongla and Bheramara for India.
"The Indian Specialized Economic Zones would increase Indian investment in Bangladesh substantially," she hoped.
About the signing of a number of bilateral documents, covering diverse areas of cooperation, the Prime Minister said these include economic cooperation, trade and investment, security, infrastructure development, education, science and technology, IT and culture. Cooperation in such a vast area shows the depth, breadth and maturity of our partnership for development.
Sheikh Hasina said she discussed with Modi the issues of sharing of water of 54 common rivers. "We reiterated our strong commitment to make our borders peaceful and prosperous. We also pledged 'zero tolerance' against terrorism and extremism," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said people-to-people contact is the strongest of the links of the two countries. She said Bangladesh has decided to open diplomatic mission in Guwahati while India agreed for the same in Khulna and Sylhet.
"The decision again reflects our growing mutual confidence and shared commitment to expand our relationship," she said.
Photo: Saiful Islam Kallol
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