Rao-Quayes talks
Dhaka, June 7 (bdnews24.com) – An optimistic Indian foreign secretary has touched upon several issues of mutual concern, including some contentious ones.
However, what Nirupama Rao won't discuss now is the Teesta river water sharing issue and the related details.
Despite being pestered by the media at a joint press briefing at the foreign ministry on Tuesday, she refused to disclose the percentage of share Bangladesh would get in the proposed river water deal.
"This is a sensitive issue. I will not discuss the framework or percentage of water share Bangladesh will receive from Teesta river," she said.
Bangladesh foreign secretary Moahmed Mijarul Quayes also attended the press briefing after holding a day-long joint foreign secretary-level consultation meeting.
"Water resources secretaries of both countries held a meeting in Delhi over the sharing of Teesta water, and after a consensus is reached at political level, the issue can be discussed publicly," she said.
"We have to go through a certain process to reach the final solution," she said, adding, "Obviously we are working for an agreement."
Quayes in his introductory remark said there was progress in Teesta water sharing agreement.
REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY
Rao said Delhi had no objection in allowing Nepal and Bhutan to use Indian territory to have trade in Bangladesh.
"India allows Nepal and Bhutanese trucks to enter 200 yards of Bangladesh territory at Banglabandha border," she said.
Quayes said new protocols need to be signed to have comprehensive regional connectivity in place.
"Connectivity is not a bilateral issue, rather a regional issue," he said adding, "We are working on developing mechanism to connect Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan."
Citing example, he said Bangladesh and India had railway protocol, but to include Nepal, an addendum would be needed in the protocol.
About the transit fees, he said the assessment was being done and after completion of the process, details could be discussed.
INDIAN LINE OF CREDIT
The Indian foreign secretary said Delhi has finalised some projects and the rest would be finalised within couple of months.
"There are some positive developments in procuring buses, railway locomotives, wagons and engines under the Indian line of credit and the rest of the projects will be finalised within a couple of months," she said.
When asked about the conditionality of procuring 85 percent man and material from India under the line of credit, she said, "The issue can be and will be discussed to resolve any dispute."
Quayes said India had already given a signal to move forward for some of the projects and the rest would follow the suit.
MARITIME BOUNDARY DISPUTE
There would be no mineral resources exploration in the disputed blocks in the Bay of Bengal until the matter was resolved, said foreign secretary Quayes.
"There are some overlaps in the disputed blocks and it is needed to reach a generous agreement to settle the issue," he said.
"Bangladesh has opted for arbitration to settle the maritime dispute with India and also negotiate with them to solve the matter amicably," he said.
"When we reach a solution, then Bangladesh and India can explore natural resources in their respective territories," he added.
MANMHOAN'S VISIT
The Indian foreign secretary refused to specify the date of visit of Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh to Bangladesh.
"It will be highly unprofessional if I tell the date. It will be disclosed through proper diplomatic channel," she said.
When asked about the outcome of the visit, she said it would be difficult to say about the result.
"Some historic agreements will be signed during the visit," she said without any elaboration of the deals.
"Both governments are working together to make it a good visit," she added.
Quayes said foreign offices of both countries were in touch and had regular follow-up meetings.
BORDER KILLINGS
Rao said Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB) would together stop border killings.
"There is a plan to use non-lethal weapons in the border area," she said adding, "We are against any violence and curfew could be imposed at the borders."
LAND BOUNDARY DISPUTE
Officials of both countries are working hard to settle land boundary disputes, she informed.
"Joint Boundary Working Group had had its fourth meeting in Delhi in November and the outcome of the meeting was welcomed," she said.
When asked if the decision on the dispute would be announced during Manmohan's visit, she said, "I am eternally optimistic."
SECURITY COOPERATION
Both countries had agreed on cooperating in security issues to eliminate threats to peace and prosperity of the people, the visiting official said.
"The challenges are similar in nature for both countries," she observed.
Quayes said both countries agreed not to allow domestic and foreign elements to use their territories to disturb peace in the region.
CONSULTATION MEETINGS
Quayes said the consultation meeting was not a formal one but very crucial for strengthening relationship between the countries.
"We have reaffirmed our commitment for further expansion of our bilateral relationship and pursue the issues primarily detailed in joint communiqué declared during the visit of prime minister Sheikh Hasina to New Delhi in January last year," he said.
Rao said sky was the limit for cooperation and new areas would be explored to cement the ties between the two countries.
http://bdnews24.com/details.php?cid=2&id=197815&hb=1
---------------
Remarks by Foreign Secretary Rao at the Joint Press meet in Dhaka
June 07, 2011
At the outset, I would like to thank the Government of Bangladesh and my counterpart His Excellency Mijarul Quayes for the invitation and excellent hospitality extended to the Indian delegation and arrangements made for the Foreign Office Consultations. It is always delightful to visit Dhaka.
2. We have had very comprehensive consultations earlier today covering a range of issues of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation. The talks were marked by great warmth and cordiality reflecting the close ties and friendship between the two countries.
3. The Joint Communique signed by PM Dr Manmohan Singh and Her Excellency Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her landmark visit to India in January last year has outlined the roadmap for the relationship between India and Bangladesh. Both sides have made considerable progress in implementation of the Joint Communiqué since the visit. Implementation of projects under the $ 1 billion LOC from India has been high priority for both sides. We have just conveyed our concurrence for a number of projects under the LOC in Railway infrastructure and the purchase of buses for the city of Dhaka. These can be implemented immediately. India is committed to implementation of far-reaching decisions taken by the leaders of both countries.
4. Our cooperation in the power sector, including grid connectivity, supply of upto 500 MW of power from India, including 250 MW of power at a preferential rate and Bangladesh request for setting up of a high technology joint venture thermal power plant of 1320 MW capacity is progressing well. During the visit of Minister for Commerce and Industry of India in April this year, the annual duty free quota for export of Bangladeshi garments to India has been raised from 8 to 10 million pieces. Cooperation to upgrade BSTI is progressing well. Both sides are working on several projects to improve trade infrastructure and connectivity. A new LCS at Fulbari-Banglabandha was opened in January and the Government of India has now undertaken to set up five ICPs and the foundation stone of the ICP at Agartala was laid by the Home Minister Shri P. Chidambaram in May. Border Haats in Meghalaya are expected to be inaugurated soon.
5. There has been regular exchange of business delegations. This has resulted in several joint venture agreements being concluded for export oriented manufacturing activities in Bangladesh. Indeed, we are happy to note that Bangladesh exports to India have, according to our figures, increased by 52% in the first nine months of 2010-11. I am sure that Indian investments in Bangladesh will provide employment and also generate export potential, including to India.
6. We have made substantial forward movement in respect of both water and land boundary issues. The Joint Boundary Working Group (JBWG) meeting was held in November 2010, and the Bangladesh Water Resources Secretary held talks in Delhi yesterday. Both sides are discussing interim water sharing of Teesta and Feni rivers. The work on river bank protection and embankment construction along the common rivers is progressing and the dredging of the Ichhamati River along the 20 km common stretch is nearing completion.
7. The joint Inaugural Ceremonies of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore in both our capitals were very impressive. Several events are planned for the whole year.
8. India attaches the highest importance to its relations with Bangladesh and seeks a deeper and stronger partnership. The historic bonds between India and Bangladesh are deep rooted and peoples on both sides want mutual prosperity and cooperation.
9. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is looking forward to his visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take forward the mutually beneficial cooperation agreed by the two Prime Ministers in January 2010.
10. I am looking forward to calling on Her Excellency Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina right after this interaction. Yesterday, I had very productive interaction with H.E. Dr. Mashiur Rahman and H.E. Prof. Gowher Rizvi, Advisers to Prime Minister. I shall also call on Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni later today.
11. I thank you for your presence.
Dhaka
June 07, 2011
__._,_.___
