Dhaka, Delhi agree to settle issues in a package: Dipu
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said Friday Bangladesh and India have agreed to resolve all outstanding bilateral issues as well as newer ones in a package, reports UNB.
"We're hopeful about solution of the problems as we've got positive response from the Indian leadership," she told a press briefing at the Foreign Ministry, a day after her arrival from New Delhi.
Dipu, who had bilateral talks with her Indian counterpart S M Krishna on September 8, said the two countries agreed to expedite the functioning of various joint working groups on different issues in a bid to resolve those issues as soon as possible.
"I hope we will see a good result this time round," she told a correspondent.
During her stay in the Indian capital, she made a courtesy call on Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and met with a number of other Indian ministers including Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
According to a joint press statement issued after her visit to India, the two countries recognised the need for sharing of the Teesta water as well as bilateral and regional connectivity.
They agreed to enhance power sector cooperation, reopening of Sabroom-Ramgarh trade point, opening of a new Demagiri-Thegamukh land route, starting border markets at Bangladesh-Meghalaya border and movement of cargoes in containers by rail and waterway for bilateral trade.
Both sides also agreed to conclude agreement for mutual legal assistance on matters relating to criminals, transfer of sentenced persons and combating international terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking.
"I hope the agreements will be concluded during the Prime Minister's planned visit to India," Dipu said.
Replying to a question on transit issue, she said Bangladesh has agreed to facilitate connectivity as a tool aimed at regional development as the country is talking about joining the Asian Highway. But there is a lot more to discuss, she added.
She said India has agreed to provide connectivity through their land
to Nepal and Bhutan, but before that the infrastructure has to be developed to operationalise the connectivity.
Responding to a question, she said it would take time to make Ashuganj a port of call as the port infrastructure needs to be developed further. India is keen to develop Akhaura-Agartala rail link, she added.
The FM said the joint working group on boundary would soon sit for solving the issue on the basis of the opinions of the people living in the disputed lands.
About power sector cooperation, she said India would sell 100 MW of electricity on a priority basis and a feasibility study would be conducted soon in this regard. She added that India also agreed to supply more electricity, if necessary.
Dipu said the two sides discussed the possibilities of supplying electricity to Dahagram-Angarpota enclave.
On Tipaimukh dam, she said both sides agreed to expedite negotiation so that an agreement could be reached as soon as possible. A hydrological survey is likely to be initiated shortly, she added.
Replying to a question, Dipu said Bangladesh almost completed the process of submitting an objection with the UN to the claims already submitted by India and Myanmar.
About the Maitry Express Train, she said India has agreed to conduct onboard customs and immigration formalities to reduce the time of travel between Dhaka and Kolkata.
"We'll in no way take up any step that would affect the interest of the country," the foreign Minister said, in response to a question.
If there is any complaint, there is a parliament where the issues could be discussed, she said.
"We're hopeful about solution of the problems as we've got positive response from the Indian leadership," she told a press briefing at the Foreign Ministry, a day after her arrival from New Delhi.
Dipu, who had bilateral talks with her Indian counterpart S M Krishna on September 8, said the two countries agreed to expedite the functioning of various joint working groups on different issues in a bid to resolve those issues as soon as possible.
"I hope we will see a good result this time round," she told a correspondent.
During her stay in the Indian capital, she made a courtesy call on Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and met with a number of other Indian ministers including Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
According to a joint press statement issued after her visit to India, the two countries recognised the need for sharing of the Teesta water as well as bilateral and regional connectivity.
They agreed to enhance power sector cooperation, reopening of Sabroom-Ramgarh trade point, opening of a new Demagiri-Thegamukh land route, starting border markets at Bangladesh-Meghalaya border and movement of cargoes in containers by rail and waterway for bilateral trade.
Both sides also agreed to conclude agreement for mutual legal assistance on matters relating to criminals, transfer of sentenced persons and combating international terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking.
"I hope the agreements will be concluded during the Prime Minister's planned visit to India," Dipu said.
Replying to a question on transit issue, she said Bangladesh has agreed to facilitate connectivity as a tool aimed at regional development as the country is talking about joining the Asian Highway. But there is a lot more to discuss, she added.
She said India has agreed to provide connectivity through their land
to Nepal and Bhutan, but before that the infrastructure has to be developed to operationalise the connectivity.
Responding to a question, she said it would take time to make Ashuganj a port of call as the port infrastructure needs to be developed further. India is keen to develop Akhaura-Agartala rail link, she added.
The FM said the joint working group on boundary would soon sit for solving the issue on the basis of the opinions of the people living in the disputed lands.
About power sector cooperation, she said India would sell 100 MW of electricity on a priority basis and a feasibility study would be conducted soon in this regard. She added that India also agreed to supply more electricity, if necessary.
Dipu said the two sides discussed the possibilities of supplying electricity to Dahagram-Angarpota enclave.
On Tipaimukh dam, she said both sides agreed to expedite negotiation so that an agreement could be reached as soon as possible. A hydrological survey is likely to be initiated shortly, she added.
Replying to a question, Dipu said Bangladesh almost completed the process of submitting an objection with the UN to the claims already submitted by India and Myanmar.
About the Maitry Express Train, she said India has agreed to conduct onboard customs and immigration formalities to reduce the time of travel between Dhaka and Kolkata.
"We'll in no way take up any step that would affect the interest of the country," the foreign Minister said, in response to a question.
If there is any complaint, there is a parliament where the issues could be discussed, she said.