Dhaka-Delhi to have multiple engagements in Dec to advance ties

GBNEWS24 DESK//

Bangladesh and India will chart out plans to take the “rock-solid and historic” Dhaka-Delhi relations to the next level expanding areas of cooperation between the two countries with a number of engagements in December, officials say, reports UNB. To that end, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen will visit New Delhi in the second week of December to get engaged in consultation with India ahead of the Prime Minister-level virtual meeting next month. “The purpose of his (FS) is mainly for consultation ahead of Prime Minister-level talks as the two countries have vast issues to discuss,” a senior official told UNB confirming Foreign Secretary’s Delhi visit. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi will hold a summit meeting virtually in the third week of December, most probably on December 17, if not on December 16, another official said. There are indications from both sides that Prime Minister Modi will also visit Bangladesh in person if the Covid-19 situation improves. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, earlier, indicated the signing of bilateral agreements at that time but did not elaborate. Keeping Mujib Barsho, the Golden Jubilee of Liberation, and the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, both sides hope to add more success stories like peaceful settlement of land boundary agreement and maritime boundary, said a diplomatic source. The two countries are giving much emphasis on enhancing trade and commerce through utilising river and road communication, exploring opportunities in blue economy and other areas. On November 5, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Serum Institute of India and Beximco Pharma of Bangladesh for priority delivery of 30 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to Bangladesh. The two countries also established air bubble arrangements between the two countries.