PK Singh meets Dipu Moni

DHAKA: Secretary for Shipping Ministry of India PK Singh paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni at her office Tuesday.

Singh is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh for the Bangladesh-India Shipping Secretary level talks held from 2-3 July.

In the parley, Dipu Moni expressed satisfaction that the various institutional mechanisms set up between Bangladesh and India to monitor and implement the decisions for further enhancement of the bilateral relations were fully engaged and meeting regularly.

She noted that the Protocol on Inland Water Trade and Transit was one of the oldest bilateral arrangements between the two countries and it had been working smoothly to mutual satisfaction.

Dr Dipu Moni noted with satisfaction that the two Secretaries had had fruitful and substantive discussions on all aspects relating to the operations of the PIWTT.

She also expressed satisfaction that the two Secretaries had agreed to extend the validity of the Protocol for a further period of two years.

Regarding the Indian request for transshipment of bulk cargo at Ashuganj and their transportation through Akhaura-Agartala, Dipu Moni assured that the government of Bangladesh was taking a comprehensive look at all aspects of transit/transshipment with India, including development of required infrastructure.

The ruling Awami League lawmaker also recalled that Bangladesh had announced in January 2010 its intention to allow use of Chittagong and Mongla ports to India, Nepal and Bhutan and stated that Bangladesh was keen to put in place a mutually beneficial arrangement for this purpose.

Indian Shipping Secretary referred to the new proposal of coastal shipping between the two countries and mentioned that the two sides will jointly study the various aspects related to this issue.

They also briefly discussed about the possibility of cooperation in other areas including combating piracy.

BDST: 1935 HRS, JUL 03, 2012

Edited by: M. Mahbub Alam, Asst Output Editor