The Foreign Secretary of India, H.E. Mr. Shivshankar Menon, visited Dhaka during June 24-27, 2007 at the invitation of the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary, H.E. Md. Touhid Hossain, for Foreign Office Consultations. During his stay in Dhaka, the Foreign Secretary of India called on H.E. Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser of the Caretaker Government, H.E. Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Affairs Adviser and Gen. Moeen U. Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff.

2. The two Foreign Secretaries held constructive and forward-looking discussions on issues relating to security, peaceful management of borders, water resources, economic and trade matters, cultural relations and regional cooperation. The discussions were held in a warm and cordial atmosphere.

3. The two sides emphasized the need for enhanced security cooperation particularly information sharing. They reiterated their commitment not to allow their territories to be used in any manner for activities inimical to the other. In this regard, it was decided to hold the next meeting of the Home Secretaries at a mutually convenient date. The two sides agreed to carry forward the engagement on the implementation of the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement and consider practical ways to facilitate its early implementation taking into account the ground realities. They welcomed the recent visit of the members of the Joint Boundary Working Groups to select enclaves and adverse possessions in Bangladesh and India. Both sides expressed their commitment to facilitate the early resolution relating to completion of demarcation of land boundary between the two countries, exchange of enclaves and adverse possessions.

4. Discussions in the area of water resources included sharing of common river waters, minor irrigation and drinking water schemes, data on flood forecasting and warning, dredging and river bank protection works. It was agreed to hold the meeting of Joint Committee of Experts headed by respective Water Resources Secretaries to be followed by the meeting of the Joint Rivers Commission at the earliest.

5. Keeping in view the mutuality of interests, the two sides underscored the need to take steps to facilitate trade and economic cooperation. Regarding the announcement of duty-free access to products of LDCs at the 14th SAARC Summit, the Indian side conveyed their intention to implement the scheme in phases by December this year. The two sides discussed several issues relating to tariff and non-tariff barriers, coordinated development of land customs stations, establishment of border haats and facilitation of investment. The need to improve rail, road, river and air connectivity between the two countries was underlined. While taking positive note of the decision to start a passenger train service between Dhaka and Kolkata, it was agreed that the railway authorities should meet soon to finalise the operational modalities. Proposals related to additional bus services linking the two countries as well as improving the functioning of Inland Water Trade and Transit protocol were considered. The two sides also signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) to facilitate technical cooperation in the fields of standardization, certification, testing, measurement and quality assurance systems. It was agreed that the Joint Working Group on Trade would be convened soon.

6. The two sides discussed various issues related to regional cooperation under SAARC and BIMSTEC. Highlighting the importance of early implementation of the decisions taken at the 14th SAARC Summit, they agreed to stay engaged so that the next Council of Ministers meeting in New Delhi later this year can take substantive decisions. Both sides also agreed to intensify cooperation in trade and other related fields under BIMSTEC before the next summit in New Delhi early next year. The two Foreign Secretaries also expressed satisfaction at the level of understanding and cooperation that exists between the two countries in various multilateral fora including the United Nations.

7. The two sides agreed that India and Bangladesh have a shared destiny. Both sides agreed to remain engaged with a view to further expand and strengthen bilateral relations for mutual benefit in accordance with the wishes of the two peoples.

8. The Foreign Secretary of India, H.E. Mr Shivshankar Menon deeply appreciated the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay in Bangladesh. The Indian Foreign Secretary extended an invitation to the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh for the next round of Foreign Office Consultations to be held in New Delhi next year. The dates for the meeting would be decided through diplomatic channels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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