India to send rice to Bangladesh soon: Pranab

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NEW DELHI, Oct 5 (BSS): Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said the shipment of rice to Bangladesh would start as soon as possible.
"India honours its commitment... we have always extended the hand of cooperation to Bangladesh in time of need," the influential minister of the present UPA government told a visiting Bangladesh media delegation at his office here Monday night.
Describing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's last visit to India as a 'landmark one', Pranab said the communiqué, signed by the two prime ministers, would be implemented expeditiously.
Replying to a question, the senior Congress leader said that sometimes delays happen in the process due to various reasons but it has to be resolved quickly.
When asked about the timeframe of implementation of the agreement, the Indian finance minister said 'timeframe' will be determined in consultation with Dhaka. He said there is a tremendous potential of economic cooperation between the two countries.
Referring to Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's coming visit to Bangladesh, he said preparations are being taken so that it turns into a tangible visit.
He said Dr Manmohan Singh will visit Dhaka as soon as possible after the visits by the presidents of the United States, Russia and France to India.
Later, the delegation had a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister S M Krishna at his office in South Block.
Responding to a question, he said Sheikh Hasina's visit to India has further strengthened the relations between the two friendly countries.
Stressing the need of political stability for development, Krishna said, "India wants stability in the region."
In response to a question, he said, "We want a stable Pakistan."
He said Pakistan accepted India's assistance to the flood victims after 10 days. He said the $20 million assistance given by India was routed through the United Nations.
The media delegation also met Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao at her office. They exchanged views on bilateral and regional issues.
The delegation members included Samakal Editor Golam Sarwar, The Financial Express Editor AHM Moazzem Hossain, Chief Editor and Managing Director of BSS Ihsanul Karim, Sangbad Editor Altamas Kabir, Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Channel-i Director (News) Shykh Siraj, Weekly Ekpokkho Editor Masuda Bhatti, Prothom Alo Deputy Editor Sajjad Sharif and ATN News CEO and Chief Editor Manzurul Islam.