Seeking to consolidate bilateral ties, India and Bangladesh today reviewed the entire gamut of their relations with special focus on preparations for premier Sheikh Hasina's planned visit to New Delhi next month.
"The issue of taking forward the our cooperation is something that under constant focus ... that is the purpose of coming to Bangladesh," Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters after a nearly two-hour meeting with her Bangladesh counterpart Mohamed Mijarul Quayes at the state guest house 'Padma' here.
She said she particularly came this time in the "context of preparations for a very significant visit of Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina to India in December" and noted that India attached "highest importance" to its ties with Bangladesh.
Quayes said his talks with Rao were focussed on the progress on the understanding that was reached between the two countries during foreign minister Dipu Moni's visit to India last September.
"I can assure you both the countries are committed to materialising that understanding," he said in a brief media appearance with Rao after the talks that was followed by an official luncheon also joined by concerned officials of different ministries.
Rao, who arrived here this morning on a two-day visit, is also to meet Dipu Moni and call on Hasina and main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief Khaleda Zia.
Foreign ministry officials earlier said Rao was visiting Dhaka at the invitation of Quayes for preparatory talks for Hasina's visit. This was Rao's first tour to Bangladesh since she assumed the office of the top bureaucrat in the external affairs ministry in August this year.
Her visit came two days after the foreign minister said the premier was likely to go to New Delhi on a three-day official visit, expected to commence from December 19, when Bangladesh and India may finalise bilateral agreements on different issues, including mutual transit facilities.
Moni in September visited India and on her return home she said the two countries planned to sign several landmark treaties during the forthcoming visit of Hasina while her own tour prepared the grounds for inking the deals.
During her visit, India agreed to facilitate Bangladesh's transit to Nepal and Bhutan, provide at least 100 MW power on priority basis, increase trade and communication facilities and resolve other outstanding issues.
The two sides also agreed to settle three major border related issues on enclaves, lands in adverse possession and un-demarcated border lines under a package.
