BSS, Dhaka :
Bangladesh and India yesterday issued a joint declaration with a renewed pledge to work closely in elevating regional, sub-regional cooperation and in the UN and other multilateral organizations, including WTO, for the benefit of the people in the region.
According to the declaration, Indian Prime Minister Modi appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her support to innovative ideas for enhancing sub-regional cooperation and connectivity and her commitment to the betterment of bilateral ties with India.
Indian External Affairs Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar read out the joint declaration at a press conference at Hotel Sonargaon here afternoon prior to departure of Narendra Modi
concluding his two-day state visit to Bangladesh.
Jaishankar said that the two premiers during their official talks reaffirmed their unequivocal and uncompromising position against extremism and terrorism in all forms and manifestations, as well as their commitment to cooperate with each other by sharing information about groups and persons indulging in terrorism.
“They reiterated their commitment that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activity inimical to the others,” he added. Jaishankar said the two prime ministers also noted that India and Bangladesh have entered a new phase in bilateral relations with a pragmatic, mature and practical approach based on sovereignty, equality, friendship, trust and understanding for the mutual benefit of their peoples and collective prosperity of the region.
He said when the Teesta issue came up for discussion during the meeting of the two prime ministers, Modi conveyed Sheikh Hasina that deliberations are underway involving all stakeholders with regard to conclusion of the interim agreements on sharing of waters of the Teesta and Feni rivers as soon as possible.
The two prime ministers noted that discussions on various aspects relating to sharing of waters of the Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers were taking place at technical level meeting and asked the officials concerned to expedite the process to conclude the sharing arrangements at the earliest.
“The two prime ministers recalled Article-2 of the Framework Agreement on Cooperation for Development of 2011 and reiterated their commitment to address the issue of water resources management of common rivers, including water sharing, in a holistic manner through common basin management,” he added.
Jaishankar, however, said that Modi reiterated his commitment that India would not take any unilateral decision on the Himalayan component of their River Interlinking Project which may affect Bangladesh.
In this connection, he told Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that the Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Power Project is not likely to be taken forward in its present form due to statutory requirements on the Indian side and that “India would not take any unilateral decision on this matter that may adversely impact Bangladesh.”
He said both the prime ministers expressed deep satisfaction at the level of cooperation and achievements in the power sector between the two countries and agreed to widen the cooperation further.
Bangladesh and India yesterday issued a joint declaration with a renewed pledge to work closely in elevating regional, sub-regional cooperation and in the UN and other multilateral organizations, including WTO, for the benefit of the people in the region.
According to the declaration, Indian Prime Minister Modi appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her support to innovative ideas for enhancing sub-regional cooperation and connectivity and her commitment to the betterment of bilateral ties with India.
Indian External Affairs Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar read out the joint declaration at a press conference at Hotel Sonargaon here afternoon prior to departure of Narendra Modi
concluding his two-day state visit to Bangladesh.
Jaishankar said that the two premiers during their official talks reaffirmed their unequivocal and uncompromising position against extremism and terrorism in all forms and manifestations, as well as their commitment to cooperate with each other by sharing information about groups and persons indulging in terrorism.
“They reiterated their commitment that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activity inimical to the others,” he added. Jaishankar said the two prime ministers also noted that India and Bangladesh have entered a new phase in bilateral relations with a pragmatic, mature and practical approach based on sovereignty, equality, friendship, trust and understanding for the mutual benefit of their peoples and collective prosperity of the region.
He said when the Teesta issue came up for discussion during the meeting of the two prime ministers, Modi conveyed Sheikh Hasina that deliberations are underway involving all stakeholders with regard to conclusion of the interim agreements on sharing of waters of the Teesta and Feni rivers as soon as possible.
The two prime ministers noted that discussions on various aspects relating to sharing of waters of the Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers were taking place at technical level meeting and asked the officials concerned to expedite the process to conclude the sharing arrangements at the earliest.
“The two prime ministers recalled Article-2 of the Framework Agreement on Cooperation for Development of 2011 and reiterated their commitment to address the issue of water resources management of common rivers, including water sharing, in a holistic manner through common basin management,” he added.
Jaishankar, however, said that Modi reiterated his commitment that India would not take any unilateral decision on the Himalayan component of their River Interlinking Project which may affect Bangladesh.
In this connection, he told Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that the Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Power Project is not likely to be taken forward in its present form due to statutory requirements on the Indian side and that “India would not take any unilateral decision on this matter that may adversely impact Bangladesh.”
He said both the prime ministers expressed deep satisfaction at the level of cooperation and achievements in the power sector between the two countries and agreed to widen the cooperation further.
