Security ties with Delhi to help gain regional peace
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali has said the security cooperation between Bangladesh and India together with the fight against terrorism and violent extremism will continue to play an important role in achieving peace, stability and security in the region and beyond.
Addressing a reception in Dhaka hosted by the High Commission of India marking the 68th Republic Day of India on Thursday, Ali said the cooperation between the countries would further be strengthened in the areas of renewable energy, satellite, blue economy, maritime cooperation, peaceful use of nuclear energy when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit New Delhi.
“Our partnership is mature, broad and strong. In the past eight years, we have experienced remarkable progress in many areas, namely, security, connectivity, development cooperation, cultural exchange, power, trade and commerce, defence exchange and so on,” he said.
The minister said the two countries also share common commitment to advance regional and international cooperation including strengthening regional processes such as BIMSTEC, BBIN and BCIM.
Referring to the bilateral trade between the countries worth about $6.2 billion in FY 2015-16, Ali said, “We need to work further to overcome the barriers to trade and investment, for the mutual benefit of both our nations.”
Noting that Bangladesh and India are growing at a fast pace, Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla said with more cooperation, greater connectivity, sustainable practices and better infrastructure, the two countries can ensure a better future for the youth.
“This young and thriving population can be the pivot of our growth if empowered through skills and education,” he said.
The High Commissioner mentioned that Bangladesh is an attractive destination for Indian investments in the energy and other sectors and many projects are underway. “These initiatives represent the growing synergies between both our countries.”
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