New Delhi, Oct 05: In the official visit of the Bangladesh Prime Minister to India Smti Sheikh Hasina, both the countries have signed seven bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries in New Delhi today.
The two Prime Ministers held detailed discussions in an atmosphere of great cordiality and warmth. Thereafter, the two Prime Ministers presided over the ceremony to exchange bilateral MoUs and Agreements signed during the visit and also inaugurated via videolink three bilateral projects.
During the meeting, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations, which are based on deep historical and fraternal ties, which reflect an all-encompassing bilateral partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding that transcends a strategic partnership.
They held productive and comprehensive discussions during which they reviewed all aspects of the bilateral relations, and exchanged views on regional issues.
Both Prime Ministers agreed to fully utilize various opportunities for advancing mutually beneficial partnership in both conventional and non-conventional areas, and to ensure that this irreversible partnership enhances the legacy that started with the Great War of Liberation of Bangladesh.
The two leaders recognized the need for increased cooperation in defence for a more integrated and secure neighborhood, taking into account the illustrious history of their cooperation from the joint operation of both forces during Bangladesh’s Great Liberation War in December 1971.
Both Prime Ministers welcomed the initiatives for development of closer Maritime Security Partnership, and noted the progress made in finalization of an MoU on Establishment of Coastal Surveillance Radar System in Bangladesh and encouraged both sides for early signing of the MoU.
Both leaders also agreed to expedite work towards drawing upon a US$ 500 mn Defence Line of Credit extended by India to Bangladesh, for which implementation arrangements have been finalized in April 2019.
The two Prime Ministers recalled the shared bonds of history, culture, language, secularism and other unique commonalities that characterize the partnership. They paid solemn tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, the Muktijoddhas, the Indian soldiers who fought in the War and the citizens of Bangladesh, for their great sacrifices in the Liberation War of 1971, and the commitment of Bangladesh leadership to the cherished values of democracy and equality.
Both leaders vowed to uphold these shared values, in line with the dream of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Prime Minister Modi also reaffirmed India’s full support to the realization of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision of ensuring a prosperous, peaceful and developed Bangladesh.
