President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday called for resolving outstanding issues between Bangladesh and India through dialogue, urging New Delhi to ensure fair sharing of common river waters including the Ganges and the Teesta.
"Mutual trust between the two peoples would grow if matters of common interest are resolved through fair also mutually acceptable solutions" he said during a courtesy call by Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi at Bangabhaban, President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam told reporters afterward.
Noting that river management directly affects the livelihoods of people in both countries the President pressed for effective measures on equitable water distribution. Trivedi assured him that India was taking positive steps in this regard.
Alamgir said Bangladesh values its relationship with India as its closest neighbour and a key trade and development partner. He added that Dhaka seeks a respectful also forward-looking and mutually beneficial partnership grounded in sovereign equality with national interest and people's welfare.
Trivedi congratulated Alamgir on assuming the presidency and reaffirmed India's commitment to deepening cooperation across sectors. He said his country wants to strengthen ties based on mutual respect, trust and cooperation.
The President thanked him and asked that his greetings be conveyed to India's President. He pointed to wide scope for cooperation in trade, water resources, technology, connectivity, culture and people-to-people ties also adding that both nations could work together toward shared peace and prosperity.
Trivedi sought the President's support during his tenure and Alamgir wished him success also expressing hope for a more productive with people-oriented relationship ahead.
Senior officials from the President's Office also Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Indian High Commission attended the meeting.
