Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar arrives Dhaka

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has arrived in Dhaka to finalize the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence. He landed at Bangabandhu Air Base in Dhaka on a special flight at 10 am on Thursday. There he was welcomed by the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh AK Abdul Momen.

The two foreign ministers will hold a bilateral meeting at the state guest house Padma at 12.15 pm. Jayashankar is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the afternoon. Later, he will leave Dhaka at 5 pm to attend a function at Bharat Bhaban (old High Commission building). Earlier on Wednesday, State Minister for External Affairs Shahriar Alam spoke to reporters about various aspects of the Indian foreign minister's visit.

He said, “A number of events are being organized from March 17 to March 26 as part of the ongoing program of our Mujib Year and on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence.

With that in mind, the Prime Minister of India is scheduled to pay a visit. We look forward to all the visits, at least to discuss the complex issues and move forward. The Indian Foreign Minister will visit Bangladesh to discuss these issues. ”

Commenting on Modi's visit, Shahriar Alam said, "Cooperation in the field of connectivity has been emphasized." A new chapter in communication will begin. New train service is to be launched. Hopefully, we'll be able to launch it very soon. The concerned ministry will make a final announcement in this regard. ”

The state minister for foreign affairs said significant issues of regional cooperation would also be discussed. "Covid-19 is not only a health emergency, it has also created an economic emergency," he said. The developed countries of the world, in particular, are going through a big economic problem. It has a big impact but can fall on supplier countries like ours.

A lot of raw materials come from India. With which our export trade has been strengthened and will be more in the future. In that case, there will be discussions on these raw materials and how to remove barriers to import and export. ”

He said there had been "progress" in recent years in discussions on the sharing of common river water. But whatever the foreign minister's visit will be final, we do not strongly expect it.

”Because a few days later since there is a Prime Minister level meeting. Deliverables, we leave them for the big tour. But we will try, as long as they can be finalized, the rest of the time will tell. ”

Asked whether the Teesta treaty would be a priority for Bangladesh, he said, "It is our priority all the time."

The issue of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership is on the table of the two countries. Earlier, the two prime ministers had decided to hold a joint study to look into the matter.

In a question on this issue, Shahriar said that communication, removal of trade barriers, and opening up of new fields were being discussed.

He said, “Bangladesh has already received a recommendation from the United Nations to cross over from a middle-income country. Regional cooperation to make our economy more dynamic in the next three or six years is not on today's agenda.

"Despite our internal challenges, the strong decision of our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which many thought could have internal risks, I am talking about transit, is no longer a big issue at all. But there is a skill and how to do it without hindrance. ”

Shahriar Alam said that India has recently given the opportunity to Bangladeshi vehicles to go directly to Bhutan and Nepal. "This is a big achievement for us," he said.

Commenting on the construction of a 'Petrapole' in Daiki, India and Tamabil in Bangladesh, he said, "It is in the final stages. These activities could lead to more than just a comprehensive partnership to expand trade and economic activity in the days to come. ”

Replying to a question on the two countries' plans to reopen a land port and keep a land port open 24 hours a day, the state minister said, "We will continue to review and India feels the same. Because their export trade is being hampered. We are being hampered, exports are also being hampered.

"Which border can be opened in this case, how to increase the number of flights, will be discussed."

The state minister also said that the reasons that have hampered the growth of economic activities should be removed very soon.

Referring to Bangladesh's initiative to open an Assistant High Commission in Chennai, India to boost trade, the state minister said, "Not only the plan, final approval has been given and we have also completed the official process of appointing a foreign ministry official."