DHAKA: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Haina appreciated her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi’s leadership as the longstanding land boundary issue has finally been solved.
Sheikh Hasina was addressing a joint press statement after a bilateral meeting with Narandra Modi at Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in city on Saturday afternoon.
Sheikh Hasina, in her statement, said, “We exchanged the letters of ratification of the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement. With this, a 68 year old humanitarian issue comes to a peaceful end. We are extremely happy that the land boundary issue has finally been resolved. I appreciate Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in achieving it. We also thank the people of India and all the political parties in India for their unequivocal support to the agreement.”
“India is certainly our 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. India has attained commendable economic development and is fast emerging as a powerhouse in the areas of education, science, technology and innovation. Bangladesh’s economy has also been growing over 6% for the last 6 years. We have also achieved almost all of the MDGs, and made significant advancement in poverty eradication, women’s empowerment and education,” she added.
She added: 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, we agreed to establish Special Economic Zones in Mongla and Bheramara for India. This would increase Indian investment in Bangladesh substantially, she hoped.
PM Haisna said, “Today, we have signed a number of bilateral documents, covering diverse areas of cooperation. These include economic cooperation, trade and investment, security, infrastructure development, education, science and technology, IT andculture. Cooperation in such a vast area shows the depth, breadth and maturity of our partnership for development…We also discussed the issues of sharing of water of 54 common rivers.
“We both reiterated our strong commitment to make our borders peaceful and prosperous. We also pledged ‘zero tolerance’ against terrorism and extremism. People-to-people contact is the strongest of our links. Together, we decided to open Bangladesh Mission in Guwahati, Indian Missions in Khulna and Sylhet. This again reflects our growing mutual confidence and shared commitment to expand our relationship.”
She also said, “Our Vision for comprehensive and enduring relationship would be outlined in the Joint Declaration. We have to translate the Declaration into concrete deliverables. I assure you, Mr. Prime Minister, that we are committed to extend full support and cooperation in this journey.”
BDST: 2015 HRS, June 6, 2015
HB/SMS
** Hasina, Modi hold bilateral meet
