Bangladesh and India on Friday decided to further strengthen the ongoing coordination to jointly commemorate mega events and focused on preparations for the forthcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March.
The two countries underscored the importance of the year 2021 in the context of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Bangladesh, the 50th year of bilateral diplomatic ties as well as the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
It was also agreed between the two countries to maintain the steady momentum of bilateral cooperation and people to people ties.
Both sides noted with satisfaction the renewal of the Air Travel Bubble arrangement that will facilitate essential travel between the two sides.
Both sides noted with appreciation the
close cooperation on Covid-19 related issues, including India’s gift of 2 million doses of COVISHIELD vaccines to Bangladesh in keeping with India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, according to the Indian External Affairs Ministry.
The issues were discussed at the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in New Delhi. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen from Bangladesh and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla from the India co- chaired the meeting.
The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary was accompanied by Bangladesh High Commissioner Mohammad Imran, Secretary (East) Ambassador Mashfee Shams and representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Water Resources of Bangladesh.
The Indian delegation consisted of representatives from the Ministries of External Affairs, Home Affairs, Commerce and Industry, Jal Shakti and Finance.
Both sides held a comprehensive review of the progress achieved in the bilateral relationship, including in the areas of Covid-19 cooperation, trade, connectivity, development partnership, power, energy and water resources, regional and multilateral cooperation as well as border management and security and defence cooperation.
The discussion also focused on events relating to the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Both sides expressed their appreciation for the participation of the Bangladesh tri-service marching contingent at the 2021 Republic Day Parade.
