Jaishankar discusses ways to boost bilateral relations with Bangladeshi counterpart

Dhaka, March 4

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Bangladeshi counterpart AK Abdul Momen and held wide-ranging discussions on ways to take forward the bilateral relations.

As part of India's ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, Jaishankar arrived here on a day-long visit to prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister Momen received Jaishankar at the Kurmitola air force base.

Jaishankar, who is visiting the country at the invitation of Momen, is also expected to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Momen and Jaishankar led their respective sides at a bilateral meeting held at a state guesthouse and took stock of the progress of relations between the two countries.

"EAM @DrSJaishankar held wide-ranging bilateral discussions with FM @AKAbdulMomen at State Guest House Padma," the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said in a tweet.

The two leaders also discussed ways to take forward the bilateral relations.

Jaishankar, on his arrival, expressed happiness to be back in Dhaka and thanked Foreign Minister Momen for the warm welcome.

"Delighted to be back in Dhaka. Thank FM @AKAbdulMomen for a warm welcome. Look forward to a productive visit," he said in a tweet.

Earlier, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam on Tuesday highlighted the depth of relations between Bangladesh and India, and mentioned that the country would host some important events from March 17-26 as part of the celebrations of 50th anniversary of the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, the UNB new agency reported.

Modi is likely to pay a two-day visit to Bangladesh beginning March 26 to participate in the celebrations of 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's Independence and 50 years of Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations.

Hasina had thanked Modi for accepting her invitation to visit Bangladesh in March. PTI

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