Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen emphasised on synergized efforts and mutually beneficial partnership between Bangladesh and India for the betterment of lives and livelihoods of the people of two countries.

He expressed this in his remarks delivered as the Chief Guest at the event organised by the High Commission of India in Dhaka on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day of India.

Foreign Minister gratefully recalled the crucial role played by the people and government of India during the War of Liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, led

by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In this context, he enthusiastically termed India as Bangladesh’s closest neighbour both in terms of bilateral relations and geographical proximity.

Momen highlighted the transformative changes in the bilateral ties between the two countries in recent years and added that it had reached a new height under the leadership of the two Prime Ministers.

He further emphasised that the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in September last year had added new momentum to the excellent bilateral relations already existing between the two countries.

He expressed satisfaction with the rapidly growing bilateral trade, which tripled in the last decade, and urged for the enhancement of bilateral trade in a balanced manner by addressing all trade barriers. He stressed complimenting each other’s economies for the prosperity of both countries.

The Foreign Minister emphasised the potential partnership of the region's two close neighbours in addressing global challenges, such as the effects of COVID-19, the European crisis, and the impending global economic recession.

He thanked India for inviting Bangladesh as a ‘Guest Country’ at the G20 Summit to be held in September 2023 under the Presidency of India. He also expressed hope that the two countries would continue to work together for the betterment of the two peoples and for shared peace and prosperity in the region. #