The installation of a democratically elected civilian government in neighbouring Myanmar has raised expectation in the Bangladesh foreign office about improving relations further with that country.
Officials said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has already initiated moves to improve the bilateral relationship with Myanmar in areas of economy, business, energy and connectivity.
"We are very hopeful about improving relationship with Myanmar under democratic government there," said a senior official at the MoFA.
He said formation of the democratic government in Myanmar after 50 years has also created scope for resolving unresolved issues including repatriation of the Rohingyas.
Sources said the MoFA is working on the formation of a joint working group, holding foreign office consultation and exploring areas of greater economic and business cooperation between two neighbours.
A proposal of forming joint working group of the MoFA has remained pending for long as the military-backed Myanmar government was indifferent in this connection.
The MoFA has completed composition of the working group on its part and shared this information with Myanmar about this. But it is yet to get response from the other side, officials said.
The sources said the MoFA is planning to make a proposal to the new Myanmar government for holding the 9th foreign office consultation in June next.
They said two neighbours have signed a number of agreements including the coastal shipping accord.The coastal shipping agreement was signed in 2007.
   smunima@yahoo.com
Dhaka hopes run high for better ties with Yangon
Munima Sultana | Published: April 03, 2016 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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