DHAKA, September 29: Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has described the overall state of India-Bangladesh relations as “completely positive,” while expressing hope that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to India will take place at a mutually convenient time for both countries.
Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, Trivedi said there was no need to rush the proposed visit, stressing that India’s invitation remains open.
“Our invitation is open. I don’t think there is any need to rush. Everything is very positive. But we need to give everything its proper time,” he said.
Earlier, the Indian High Commissioner held a meeting with Foreign Affairs State Minister Humayun Kabir, where they discussed various issues of mutual interest.
Regarding Tarique Rahman’s visit to India, Trivedi said the political leadership of the two countries would decide on a mutually convenient time for the next engagement.
“When both prime ministers feel it is convenient for them, the matter will move forward,” he said.
Rejecting any suggestion of a negative development in bilateral ties, Trivedi said, “There is no question of anything like that. I am positive, the state minister is positive, and the people of Bangladesh are positive. Everything is possible.”
Asked about the current state of bilateral relations, the Indian envoy said both countries have their respective political obligations, but added that “work is moving forward.”
Speaking about his meeting with Humayun Kabir, Trivedi said they had developed a good relationship and described the state minister as “very principled, very straightforward and open.”
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to New York, High Commissioner Trivedi said the prime minister had “excellent meetings” there. Discussions included bilateral issues, regional and international developments, as well as matters related to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
India had also expressed its interest last week in taking forward its relations with Bangladesh in a positive, constructive and forward-looking manner. New Delhi said it was willing to discuss all bilateral issues through existing mechanisms.
During the meeting with the Indian High Commissioner , State Minister Humayun Kabir reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to working with New Delhi on issues of mutual interest and for the welfare of the people of both countries, based on a forward-looking approach and mutual respect.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting took place when Trivedi paid a courtesy call on Kabir at the ministry on Tuesday.
The Indian High Commissioner congratulated Kabir on assuming office as the state minister for foreign affairs.
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