Framework agreement a visionary document, says Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Bangladesh and India which signed a framework agreement on cooperation is a visionary document that looks not only the realities today, but also the potentials of tomorrow.
Making press statement after her one-to-one meeting with visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, delegation level official talks and signing of deals with India at her office, she said, "We have been working on a new matrix charting our path for our common prosperity for the future."
"We have come a long way towards successfully materlising our common vision into reality. But we still have a long way to go," she added.
Hasina said at the discussion they have been able to make considerable progress. "I am happy to announce that we have moved closer to resolve long pending issues of common concern. This ha been done in a spirit of warmth and cordiality and understanding, she said.
"I would like to announce that from now on, our people in Dahagram and Angarpota will have 24-hour unfettered movement through Tin Bigha corridor," said Hasina.
"I am happy to say that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as announced during our discussion today that India would allow duty-free access of 46 items from Bangladesh to the Indian market that were in the sensitive list of India," she said.
On signing of MoUs and protocols on cooperation in areas of mutual interest, Hasina said she believes that those will further strengthen the bilateral relations and "We also have understanding on several others, which we hope will be signed soon."
On India-Bangladesh ties, Hasina said the bilateral relations are reflective of a common civilisational heritage, shared history, culture and language, a multifaceted and multidimensional relationship with strong and secular and democratic foundations.
"Today's realities, more than ever before, have taught us the value of interdependence of cooperation. For neighbours, border cannot have walls, but windows for collaboration and exchange. This is why relations with our neighbours require special focus. That is why the need for connectivity," she said.