PM Narendra Modi calls for greater cooperation between India, Bangladesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who received Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali here on Friday, called for greater cooperation between New Delhi and Dhaka in the areas of energy, power, infrastructure development and tourism.

Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's personal interest and commitment to the relationship. He reiterated India's resolve to continue extending full support to the efforts of Bangladesh for its socio-economic development. In this context, he called for greater cooperation between India and Bangladesh in the areas of energy, power, infrastructure development and tourism.

Prime Minister Modi also underscored the need to take concrete steps to promote bilateral trade and investment. Noting the complementarity in the geographical locations of India and Bangladesh, it was agreed that improved connectivity through development of transportation (road, rail, inland waterways, shipping and air) links would facilitate economic cooperation and strengthen people-to-people ties.

The Bangladesh Foreign Minister, who is in New Delhi for the third meeting of the India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission, during the meeting recalled the historical, cultural and economic links between both nations.

Expressing appreciation for the special emphasis given by the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi to relations with the SAARC region and India's neighbourhood, Foreign Minister Ali conveyed the strong desire of the people and Government of Bangladesh to further strengthen and deepen relations with India.

He extended an invitation on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Prime Minister Modi to visit Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Modi said that he looked forward to visiting Bangladesh at the earliest convenience. He also looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India.