Dhaka //

India wants to take forward relations with Bangladesh in a constructive and positive manner, said Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishri, who is visiting Dhaka. He said that Delhi is keen to work closely with the interim government of Bangladesh in the interest of the people of both countries.

The Indian Foreign Secretary made this comment after a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Towhid Hossain on Monday afternoon.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishri arrived in Dhaka this morning on a special Indian Air Force flight to attend a meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md. Jasim Uddin. This is Vikram Mishri’s first visit to Bangladesh as Indian Foreign Secretary.

Vikram Mishri said, “We had very open, constructive discussions. I have emphasized that India wants a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh. We have always… seen in the past; and we will see this relationship in the future as a people-centric and people-oriented relationship. A relationship where the welfare of all people will be at the centre.’

The Indian Foreign Secretary said, ‘There is no reason to think that this mutually beneficial cooperation will not continue in the interest of the people of both our countries. I have today conveyed India’s keenness to work closely with the interim government of Bangladesh. At the same time, we have had the opportunity to discuss some of the recent developments and issues.’

He added, ‘I have conveyed our concerns related to the security and welfare of minorities. We have also discussed some of the unfortunate incidents of attacks on cultural, religious and diplomatic properties.’